SOS Ocean Racing setting up another Round Australia record attempt

by Brendan Maxwell on 6 Nov 2011 Never one to sit still, SOS Ocean Racing’s founder is at it again. Ian Thomson is keen to put together another Around Australia World Record attempt.

This time it will be an assault at the outright Around Australia monohull circumnavigation record. When asked about the details Ian responded by saying ‘It is very early in setting up another campaign. At present I have a time line in my head as to when I would like to go but have to chase funding and sponsors in order to make this happen. I have taken a new job that will hopefully set me up financially to own the boat for the next record attempt. I’m looking all over the world for the boat so who knows what I will end up with!’

Asked whether it would be solo or fully crewed Ian was very vague in saying that ‘Both options are a possibility. Now that my solo Around Australia record got broken by mate and fellow SOS campaigner Bruce Arms, I may just have a go at claiming three records in one. It would be quite amazing if I could claim the outright solo record back, claim the monohull solo record at the same time and also push for the outright monohull record, but it all comes down to time and money and I have set myself a goal and we will see if I can get there. There is also a lot to be said about sailing with your mates so that is a real possibility too.’

As to the timing? ‘If the sponsors come on board then it will be earlier, if I have to raise the entire money myself it will take a few years. However it will be within the next three years. Long time sponsors Gill and Barz Optics have continued their sponsorship of our campaign so that is a major step forward to have them continue onboard.’

Ian will once again sail for the cause of raising awareness of the damage plastic bags and plastics are doing to the environment. Save Our Seas International (founded by Ian) is continuing it’s efforts to raise the awareness primarily through primary school educational programs and are currently running a petition lobbying the Australian Federal Government to ban single use plastic bags. You can help by signing the petition at http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/4/ban-single-use-plasstic-bags-australia-wide/