'Plastic bag' sailor Ian Thomson approaches Bass Strait

by Ian Thomson on 7 Jun 2010 In the first week of May 2010, Ian Thomson set off to break the current Solo Around Australia Record for monohulls which stands at 68 Days 8 Hours and 30 minutes set by David Beard aboard the 35ft Skaffie II.

His circumnavigation on his yacht SOS Ocean Racing is about raising awareness of what damage plastic bags does to the environment, in particular the marine environment. With over 100,000 marine animals and 1 million sea birds dying from plastic suffocation or entanglement every year, it is time to get rid of the 'Convenient' plastic bag and use other options.

The yacht has made excellent mileage in the last 24 hours and is nearing the top of Tasmania this morning. By the mid hours of the morning Ian Thomson will take his boat into Bass Strait in a 20-30 knot southerly which should provide a quick crossing with the wind directly behind him.

Having passed Tasman Island just after 1100 yesterday morning, he has made excellent time up the Tasmanian Coast as the wind was consisitent and the eta on the tracker on his site is continuing to improve in time. Ian is looking forward to a windy Bass Strait as his sail plan is reduced care of damage to the main and spinnakers so the more wind the better for a boat that is limping along.

Ian stated early this morning 'It is bitterly cold out here. Last night Launceston has a low of 0 degrees and out here it wasn't any better. However the rain has cleared which is one good thing. I am looking forward to warmer weather up the coast and this southerly is doing me a major favor taking me there quickly. It doesn't sound too racey but I only have my third reefed main up at present and have one so for the last 12 hours. I just don't need any more than this in these winds and it allows me to run very square and hence to course. I am still averaging 8 knots which is excellent considering.'

The weather set up over the next days is fine with the Southerly taking Ian to the East Coast of Australia but the NSW coast line is looking difficult as the high moves across. There could be a few light days before the wind fills in which should take Ian to the finish in Airlie Beach early the following week.

In the meantime Ian encourages everyone to use their green bags when shopping. His campaign is about ridding the oceans of plastic bags that are killing our marine life. 100,000 marine animals every year and 1 million sea birds die of plasic suffocation or entanglement. Ian says 'once you have unpacked your shopping, put your green bags in the boot of your car, not in the bottom drawer in your kitchen, that way when you want to go shopping they are there with you not at home.

To help Ian with his campaign simply logon to his website www.sosoceanracing.com and vote in the very short online poll.

For more details on the campaign visit www.sosoceanracing.com