Eco-Boat Breaks Speed Record (broadcast Friday, July 18th, 2008)

Watch Earthrace cross the Panama Canal. (Credits: Courtesy of Earthrace) See More Videos

Late last month, a bio-fueled powerboat named Earthrace broke a world record, circumnavigating the globe in just 60 days, 23 hours, and 49 minutes. The fastest previous time for a powerboat to circle the planet was almost 14 days longer. The voyage was fueled entirely with biofuels, and the team behind the Earthrace craft says their powerboat has a zero carbon footprint. Fuel supplies even included biodiesel converted from human fat removed via liposuction. We'll talk with one of the racers about the project and its goals. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.