Save Our Seas Australia campaigner Ian Thomson to tour yacht clubs

by Media Services on 30 Jun 2010 Having smashed the record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of Australia by 26 days, Ian Thomson, skipper of Save Our Seas Ocean Racing, is embarking on a tour of Australian Yacht Clubs from September to December. After his local regattas at Meridien Marinas Abel Point Race Week and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week Ian will head off on a tour to promote his no plastic bag campaign.

The concept is very simple, Ian is asking Yacht Clubs around Australia to put on a dinner that he can present at.

He will not only campaign the no plastic bags issue but also release his brand new book 'Dare to Dream' which is due out in late August. The book is about creating dreams and going for them and has a sailing bias due to most of Ian's life dreams being about sailing. Ian said 'It will not be your typical after circumnavigation book where it is an account of the trip, this book is meant to inspire and my talks will also hopefully inspire people to go after their dreams'

In addition to evenings, Ian is also wanting to speak with the youth and is currently talking with several clubs about youth programs. 'I really feel that my campaign can inspire the youth to go sailing. It is a key time for sailing having had Jessica and myself complete our trips and leading into summer we need to maximise the number of youth getting into sailing or continuing to go sailing. I want to speak to as many youth as possible and this can include youth sailing groups and also schools. Already I have two Primary Schools that I will be talking at.' Ian said.

Ian's trip starts in early September and runs right through to the start of December and encompasses all of Australia. The tour dates are at www.sosoceanracing.com/tour.htm

The key to this tour is to gain additional funding. Ian is looking for a sponsor to help cover the costs of travel so that he can speak to as many schools and youth programs as possible. His inspirational talks will surely create more sailors or encourage those who already sail to go for more but also to just enjoy their sailing. If you are in a position to help Ian with his campaign, please e-mail him directly at info@sosoceanracing.com

Help can be in the form of funding or contacts. If you want Ian at your children's school or to talk to your clubs youth program, get them in touch today.

The evenings with Ian are very simple to organise and you don't have to be a yacht club to host Ian. All you need to do is put on a dinner for a minimum of 20 people and add $25 per head. All funds raised will go to the Save Our Seas Australia organisation to continue the campaign of raising awareness of the plastic bag issue which are clogging up our environment. In between meals Ian will talk of the environment issues and then finally inspire people to go for their dreams.

Talks to Youth Sailing Programs can be as easy as organising a sausage sizzle after school or having Ian talk on the weekends. So if you club has a youth program, contact Ian to organise him to come down.

And finally, the schools is a primary focus of Ian's. Firstly the environment can benefit. Ian said 'I picture kids of Australia going shopping with their parents and nagging them saying Don't use plastic bags mum/dad. However the chance to push sailing as a sport is what I see the most beneficial to our industry. How much healthier can it be than to have the youth of today sailing instead of on their playstations.'

So once again, if you can help Ian's campaign then please visit www.sosoceanracing.com and get in contact today. With over 390 yacht clubs around Australia and only three months of travelling, it will be first in first served.