100% Pure showdown at sea

Earthcare is courting controversy even before it sets off on its biodiesel-powered round-the-world race. Picture / Dean Purcell

The Auckland International Boat Show has opened with a spat over one of the star attractions.

Earthrace, a trimaran, has been told to remove its "100% Pure Biodiesel" logo because it undermines Tourism New Zealand's "100% Pure New Zealand" global marketing campaign.

A spokeswoman for the agency said last night: "It's our brand, registered under our name and we've contacted the owner to tell him he cannot use it."

But while Pete Bethune, owner of the 24m boat, said he would think about changing the logo, "I'm tempted to tell them to lump it".

Mr Bethune is touring the US and Europe with Earthrace before attempting to break the world circumnavigation powerboat record. And what makes it more remarkable, as the logo says, is that the boat will be fuelled by biodiesel, a fuel produced from renewable crops such as canola.

Mr Bethune is hoping to complete the 24,000 nautical mile race in 65 days and wherever he goes he will take a portable theatre to show a presentation about renewable energy.

"The aim to beat the record is just to give mana to the boat. It's all about promoting biofuel," he said.

Earthrace is one of hundreds of high-class power and sail, new and used, private, charter and classic vessels on display on the specially constructed floating marina as part of the 2006 boat show.

The marina will join Te Wero Island and the Viaduct Harbour Marine Village in showcasing the latest marine engines, electronics and accessories.

More than 16,000 people are expected to visit the boat show, viewing 400 boats and exhibitors, and generating sales of some $50 million.

The show, now in its eighth year, has grown from humble beginnings. This year it has been accepted as a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers and has been recognised by Auckland City Council as a major event for the city.

Peter Busfield, executive director of the Marine Industry Association, said the show was as much for serious boaties as it was for people who wanted to enjoy the viaduct and the sights.

After an invitation-only sneak preview yesterday, the show opens to traders and the public today and runs until Sunday, from 10am to 6pm each day.