This Is Guernsey

By James Varley

Earthrace is the fastest powerboat to circumnavigate the globe. (0607081)

RECORD-breaking powerboat Earthrace made a quick visit to Alderney at the weekend.

The stunning vessel, which runs entirely on renewable bio-diesel fuel, recently became the fastest powerboat to circumnavigate the globe.

Skipper Pete Bethune and his team smashed the world speed record by almost 14 days after making it round the globe in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes.

The 78ft tri-hull, which is capable of travelling down to 23ft under water, spent two hours in Braye Harbour on Saturday afternoon as part of a two-year promotional tour taking in large parts of Europe, the Caribbean, America and Australia.

Mr Bethune, who is from New Zealand, has dedicated the past six years of his life towards reaching his goal of breaking the world speed record using bio-diesel.

His Earthrace crew comprised two Britons, Mark Russell and Rob Drewitt, and Swede Adam Carlson.

Mr Bethune said: ‘We’re completely stoked to have achieved something so incredible.

‘Earthrace’s success has proved that any form of transport, including marine, can be non-damaging to the environment as well as being high-performance. It is still early days for alternative fuel and there are issues that need to be addressed by those with the power to make change happen.

‘I just hope Earthrace and her adventure highlight to the world the importance of continuing to research and develop alternative fuel sources for global use.’

Mr Bethune went on to detail Earthrace’s current world tour, which won’t be quite as quick as the first.

He said: ‘The aim of this tour is to meet people from all over the world and talk about our experiences.

‘One of the most important goals for the Earthrace team is to connect with people and encourage discussion about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix and inspire them to do something that will minimise the impact on the environment.’

Visit www.earthrace.net for more information about the boat.

Glorious sunshine welcomed islanders to a summer fair at St Anne’s School.

Miss Alderney Adele Woodruff opened the event, which was very well attended.

Performances from the Alderney Pommerettes, KFA Sunbeams and Teen Team lit up the playing fields, while the Alderney Wind Band played in the background.

A coconut shy, bouncy castle and hook-a-duck kept many children busy while parents took time to look round the numerous stalls.

The event raised £2,400 for school funds, pleasing head teacher Mike Gaunt.

Mr Gaunt, who spent much of the event selling bacon rolls, said: ‘It was a perfect day for a summer fair. The weather was superb and everyone had a wonderful time. I’d like to thank people for coming along and helping us raise such a fantastic amount of money.

‘Also, thanks to Sam Chadwick for donating £100 from his meat draw.’