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Earthrace’s journey to smash the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat is nearing its end, making its penultimate port stop in Oman.
The world’s fastest eco-boat is on day 54 of its attempt and currently 2,500 miles ahead of the world record pace set by the British Cable and Wireless team a decade ago.
After refuelling at Salalah Port in Oman, Earthrace will head for the last port stop near Suez, Egypt, before returning to Spain.
While adverse weather conditions are predicted during its last leg, near the Eastern coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean, the crew hopes to reach its final destination Valencia on 27 June.
If all goes as planned, the world would see the record cut by 13 days.
“We’re so close to the end of the race that I can almost taste the world record,” skipper Pete Bethune said.
“I have to keep reminding myself that we still have a lot to overcome. The weather isn’t great. We’ve had to endure monsoon conditions and massive waves on our way to Oman and passing through the Suez Canal could be tricky.”
The voyage has not been without obstacles, with the most challenging one being the replacement of the boat’s driveshaft and propeller after hitting sea debris in Palau. Rapid repair works in India, however, helped the crew compensate the time lost.
“Ground crew, boat crew and everyone else involved are pulling out all the stops to ensure these last legs of the race run as smoothly as possible,” Mr Bethune said.
Earchrace is a 24m tri-hull wavepiercer that runs entirely on biofuel.
Keep up-to-date with Earthrace’s progress via the live satellite tracker at www.earthrace.net
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