It is a hi-tech pirate catcher set to scour the seas for eco crimes.
In 2006, a massive ship hit the high seas in search of poachers and illegal hunting operations until it was destroyed in a boating accident four years later.
Now, the wildlife crime fighting team has unveiled a new concept design for a 195-foot Trimaran, which is set to be used for Conservation missions around the world starting in 2018.
Based on the original Earthrace, Earthrace 2 can conduct 28 day missions running completely on renewable energy and top speeds somewhere between 20 to 25 knots with a cruising range of 10,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Based on the original Earthrace, Earthrace 2 (pictured) can conduct 28 day missions running completely on renewable energy and top speeds somewhere between 20 to 25 knots with a cruising range of 10,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. The concept design is of a 195-foot Tirmaran, which is set to be used for Conservation missions around the world starting in 2018
Earthrace was the brainchild of Captain Pete Bethune who linked up with LOMOcean, a naval architect, in 2004 to design the massive vessel powered completely by renewable fuel.
Two years, later Earthrace launched with a crew of six to battle wildlife crime, who shut down multiple shark finning, legal fishing and illegal gold mining operations.
They also battled wildlife trade of endangered animals in Asia and rescued dolphins being held captive in tiny swimming pools.
But in 2010, Earthrace met its demise when it collided with a Japanese whaling ship.
'We've worked in a number of countries targeting illegal fishing by foreign vessels, but the real work in open waters has been limited because we lacked our own long-range vessel,' said Earthrace CEO Captain Pete Bethun.
'So this new vessel will be used in blue water patrols, mostly assisting local units to catch poachers.'
Earthrace 2 will be designed as a massive wavepiercer, with five state rooms.
It can complete 28 day missions without being refueled, but will also include a Skysail Kit System for auxiliary power.
The new vessel will serve as a base of Operations for the team, and will allow them to run missions almost anywhere on earth.
It will hold most of the existing assets, including the 29-foot Sealegs, which gives the team a high-speed pursuit option.
The Earthrace team has opened a Kickstarter campaign for $50,000, which has been surpassed with a total of $66,367 – there is still 15 hours left in the campaign.
Pledges begin at $8, which gets your name on the side of the boat, all the way to a 24-hour luxury voyage for 10 guests for $9,900.
Funds will be used to complete the design for the new Trimaran, which are being handled by LOMOcean design – the firm involved with the original Earthrace.
Design Director Craig Loomes says the hull form has several key advantages over conventional monohulls.
Firstly the vessels are extremely efficient, allowing for greater range from a given amount of fuel.
Secondly, they offer outstanding seakeeping in rough seas, especially when at speed.
 |
Day|Week
