Earthrace (2006-2009) Ady Gil (2009-2010) Launched: February 22, 2006 Status: Reported as sinking on January 7, 2010 at 5:20pm after collision with MV Shōnan Maru 2 Claimed Top Speed: 32 knots

MY Ady Gil (formerly Earthrace) was a 78ft, 13 ton, wave-piercing trimaran, which was originally created as part of a project to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat. The vessel was powered by biodiesel fuel, but was also capable of running on regular diesel fuel. It used other eco-friendly materials, such as vegetable oil lubricants, hemp composites, and non-toxic anti-fouling, and had features such as bilge water filters.

The first attempt at the global circumnavigation record in 2007 was ill-fated. The boat several times encountered mechanical problems, and collided with a Guatemalan fishing boat, killing one of kthe other boat’s crew. While the crew of the Earthrace was later absolved of any responsibility, the delay forced the restart of the record attempt, while more mechanical issues later aborted it. In 2008, the second journey proved successful—though again, numerous technical problems had to be overcome before the record was achieved, with the vessel finally making the return to Sagunto, Spain after just under 61 days on June 27, 2008.

In late 2009, it was announced that the boat, now repainted black and named Ady Gil, would be participating in anti-whaling operations under the lead of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. During operations in the Southern Ocean, the vessel and the Japanese whaling support vessel MV Shōnan Maru 2 collided on January 6, 2010, resulting in loss of the Ady Gil’s bow and one injured crew member. Each side blamed the other for causing the collision, and government agencies are investigating the incident. The crew of the Ady Gil were taken off and the salvage operation was abandoned, with the vessel sinking the next day.