The boat's engines are powered completely by a biodiesel fuel source. This fuel is derived mainly from animal fat, soybeans, or other forms of biodiesel fuel. The powerboat itself is a 78-foot dramatic-looking wave-piercing trimaran, designed by Craig Loomes Design Group Ltd, with two 540 hp Cummins Mercruiser diesel engines, fueled with 100% Biodiesel, and is made mostly of carbon composite. It cost $1.25 million, which was mostly funded by generous sponsors. When asked, "Regrets about the cost of it all?" Pete Bethune replied "No...You know, I do have the coolest boat in the world.
Led by New Zealander Pete Bethune, Earthrace intended to showcase environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emission engines, non-toxic antifouling and efficient hull design. The boat pierces waves instead of riding on top of them, which both results in a smoother ride and allows the boat to run at high speeds, even in rough seas. The current record of 74 days, 20 hours, 58 minutes was set by British boat "Cable & Wireless" in 1998. Earthrace made its first voyage on February 24, 2006 and planned to begin the record attempt trip on March 1, 2007
The attempt originally departed from Barbados on March 10, 2007 but encountered significant delays include problems with the propellers and other mechanical problems. A problem with an engine off Palau caused an 8-day delay because of the remoteness. On night of March 19, 2007, while around 22km offshore from Guatemala, Earthrace collided with a local fishing boat. No Earthrace crew were hurt, but one of the three crew members from the fishing boat was killed
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