It took only 80 minutes for GAC Cochin to refuel 'Earthrace,' clear all formalities and stock up provisions when the powerboat called at Cochin Port recently as part of  is attempt to break world record for a powerboat’s circumnavigation of the globe.

The quick turnaround made the stopover at the South Indian port the fastest ever, said a GAC official.

"More importantly, it enabled the eco-boat crews to make up for the valuable time she lost in Singapore and Indian Ocean, and eventually broke the world record as she arrived at Sagunto, Spain, on June 27.

"We managed to complete the job within a very short time. This was possible only due to the good rapport we have with all authorities at Cochin Port and the excellent co-ordination of our teams," said Jaganath Shenoy, general manager GAC India.

"It normally takes a minimum of six to eight hours to complete boarding formalities and obtaining clearance upon vessels arrival," he  noted.

Adrian Erangey, Earthrace operations manager said, "Cochin Port was our fastest refuel stop. When our ground crew got to the port to meet the boat, all our paper work was in order, the local authorities knew all about us and did not question us when we travelled with GAC employees."

"I was particularly impressed to note the teamwork amongst the GAC staff and their knowledge on the various regulations on what can or cannot be done," he commented.

Earthrace has been one of the most prestigious boats which had called Cochin port so far. GAC was appointed as their local agent in 2007.

This year, Cochin Port was the 10th port in Earthrace’s route, and the GAC team had prepared all arrangements well in advance for the speedy clearance, such as, completing all formalities, clearing of the fuel shipped from Portugal, refuelling the boat and stocking up provisions.

GAC has been helping many luxurious yachts which called Cochin Port for bunkering, disembarking/embarking of guests, etc. Come December 2008, GAC will be attending to numerous yachts at the Volvo Ocean Race, where Cochin Port will be the only stopover in India.-TradeArabia News Service