Mooloolaba-based boatbuilder to go for solo record round Australia

by Sail-World Cruising on 3 Apr 2011 In June this year, Mooloolaba-based Bruce Arms will embark on a mission to be the first person to sail a multihull solo, nonstop and unassisted around Australia in a record-breaking 35 days, and he will be sponsored by well known cruising catamaran specialists Multihull Solutions.

The boat builder and winner of the last two Solo Trans Tasman races will begin his challenge on June 4 from Mooloolaba. He will sail his 14m Chamberlin performance cruising catamaran Big Wave Rider north along the Australian coastline and through the Great Australian Bight before arriving home on July 10.

The existing record is 42 days, five hours, 31 minutes and 55 seconds by Ian Thomson, who started on May 5, 2010 and finished on June 16, 2010. Mr Arms intends to break this record and set a multihull record, which will be registered with the World Record Speed Sailing Council (WRSSC).

The 50-year-old sailor was Jessica Watson’s manager for her famous solo circumnavigation in 2010.

While Mr Arms is looking forward to the challenge, the seasoned sailor understands the risks are very real.

'It is a huge challenge, mostly because of all the islands and reefs in the way along mainland Australia,' Mr Arms said.

'I have to stay awake and remain very alert when passing through areas with a high concentration of reefs; on a fast multihull they can approach very quickly, so navigation has to be precise,' he said.

'I’m very confident I can do it; my experience and knowledge of various sailing environments stands me in good stead as I take on this challenge. I’ve got a great support team and I am using the best equipment available so I have covered all the bases required to ensure I can achieve this goal.'

Multihull Solutions already sponsors a variety of marine events throughout the region to help support multihull enthusiasts from all walks of life. The Multihull Solutions Brisbane to Gladstone Multihull Yacht Race will be held in April, while the company is also the major sponsor of the increasingly popular Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Rendezvous in August/September 2011.

For more information about the solo adventure, either to to Bruce Arms' www.brucearms.com!website, or contact Multihull Solutions, emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au or visiting the website at www.multihullsolutions.com.au.