[PCW] Earthrace

[bob Austin]

First, I understand that my friend Georgs is the messanger.  I have 
been troubled by the Earthrace attempt from the first posts.  I 
understand that this is to promote biodiesel--which may or may not be 
a viable option for us as boaters.  (Plus the biodiesel didn't 
materalize at least one port)

The attempt seems to have been underfunded from the start (I realize 
how hard it is to get sponsors).  But then there were engine mount 
problems--even before "the race" started.  But even worse, before 
"The race"--Earthrace ran over and sank a Panga, killed one of its 
occupants, and badly injured another. The panga may not have had 
legal lights--but that is what is the "norm" in many parts of the 
world.  Having plyed those waters off Quatamala several times, it was 
common to see unlit pangas at night (all thru Central America and 
Mexico)--no good radar signature, and often the crew asleep under a 
tarp on the boat.  I suspect if I had run over and killed a Quatamala 
national, I would probably still be sitting in a prison. Not only did 
we go slowly, but if there was a hint of other fishing boats in an 
area, we called another watch stander to help spot them, and slowed 
even further.

As I was reading the various posts, it seemed as if the start of the 
"race" was changing, as problems arose.  Although the boat was a 
interesting design, there was no real "break thru"--and apparently 
the wave piercing didn't really work out as well as they had hoped, 
since there was substantial storm damage.  It seems at this point 
that discression became the better course.  Now as to helping the New 
Zealand AC team.....

Bob Austin