For Immediate Release

World's First Alternative-Fuel Power Boat Arrives in the United States

Contact: Ted Varner
Manager, Communications
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel
Phone:  (843) 745-1586
E-mail: ted.varner@cummins.com
Sarah Goodstein
Internet Communications Technician
Phone: (843) 329-5705
E-mail: sarah.goodstein@cummins.com

With the price of fuel at the pump topping $3 a gallon this summer, recreational boaters the world over are following the record-setting tour of Peter Bethune aboard his futuristic Earthrace powerboat as his team prepares to break the world circumnavigation record of 75 days. Prior to the race, the boat is now touring North America to promote the event and the rapidly emerging subject of biofuels.

The Earthrace vessel is the world’s first major powerboat record to be attempted using alternative fuels. The boat is powered by 100% biodiesel, a fuel made from plant matter and animal fats that produces low emissions and is biodegradable. Powered by two 540 HP Cummins MerCruiser Diesel engines (QSC8.3-540), the boat has a unique wave-piercing hull that goes through, rather than rides on top of waves.

“We see the Earthrace as a valuable project, drawing much-needed attention to the use of cleaner fuels on the water, says Gary Dickman, CMD Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing. “Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges, and at 24,000 nautical miles, is also the world’s longest race."

The CMD engines were selected because they have very low emissions compared to other engines initially considered. Secondly, they are highly efficient, something paramount when you're looking to achieve the maximum possible range. Additionally, they have one of the highest power to weight ratios of any similarly powered engine, and yet this is achieved while still maintaining high reliability. Finally, CMD offers worldwide support, which made them a perfect partner with Earthrace.

For a complete list of appearances by the Earthrace boat and her crew, access a tour schedule from www.cmdmarine.com or www.earthrace.net.

For further information, contact Ted Varner (CMD Communications Manager) at 843-745-1586 or ted.varner@cummins.com.

High resolution photography can be downloaded from our FTP site: http://www.cmdmarine.com/ftp10.