Save Our Seas Ocean Racing are chasing a world record on a maxi yacht. In May 2011, current solo Australian circumnavigation record holder Ian Thomson will be setting off on the almighty Jutson 79ft sailing yacht Brindabella to break the world record for the fastest monohull to circumnavigate Australia.
Save Our Seas Ocean Racing prepares for round Australia record attempt
In May/June this year, Ian Thomson took a whopping 26 days off the former Around Australia solo record. Now he wants another record and that is the fully crewed monohull record which is currently held by David Pescud’s 53ft Kaz. This record is currently 37d:1h:23m:7s. Ian states ‘Last year I got lonely so this year I am going with crew. We are taking 18 crew of which 6 positions are allocated to professional crew. The final 12 slots however are open to the worlds sailing community.’
The boat chosen for the record attempt is the almighty maxi sailing yacht Brindabella. She still holds 6 race records including the fastest Sydney to Hobart for a conventionally ballasted boat. Owner Jim Cooney will be aboard as this world record attempt plays out. Jim states ‘Brindabella is a piece of Australian history and to break the circumnavigation of Australia record would be quite fitting for the old girl.’
BRINDABELLA, passing Tasman Island Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2008 - Photo Credit ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi
Applications are open to all experienced sailors and this truly is a unique job to apply for. Where else can you have a chance to sail on one of Australia’s most Iconic racing yachts in a world record attempt. Your name could go in the history books as a world record holder and if you want a career in sailing, this is a great place to start, imagine that on your resume. Not only do the final 12 get all their expenses paid, you will get to keep your wet weather gear and uniforms and the added bonus of $5,000 cash if the record is broken.
Applicants firstly need to visit the campaigns website at www.sosoceanracing.com/Australia.htm and download the application form. Apart from your usual information about sailing history and personal details there is a section on what you can do to raise awareness of the damage plastic bags do to our environment. This whole campaign is part of the Save Our Seas Australia program which is out to raise awareness of the damage plastic bags and plastics are doing to our environment, to promote alternatives and to take action in teaching our current & next generations of the issue. All final crew will have to spend at least 1 day campaigning in their local town for this program.
SOS Ocean Racing Crew - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson
From all applications, a short list of 30 will be selected and announced onboard S/Y Brindabella at CYCA on Dec 24th, 2 days before the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The shortlist candidates will then be flown to the Whitsundays for 2-3 days of gruelling selection trials that will include hikes, kayaking and match racing on the fleet of Maxi Yachts cruising the tropical waters. Straight after this, a final 18 will be selected and they will be flown to Sydney where they will compete in more trials that will include an overnight sail onboard sailing yacht Brindabella. The final 12 will be announced on 1st February 2010.
All applicants are encouraged to raise funds for Save Our Seas Australia. Ian said ‘Whilst the world record is the major goal, we cannot forget the reason I do this and that is to save our seas. We need to raise money so we can continue our work and hence the 5 applicants that raise the most funds by December 24th will automatically be selected in the short list of 30 people with the person raising the most funds by January 31st is guaranteed a position in the final 12. Applicants can raise funds by bringing sponsors to Save Our Seas Australia or through fundraisers at their local yacht club. Applicants will receive additional information on this when they submit their application.’
To add to the excitement, the whole process will be filmed and presented as a documentary/Reality TV program for television purposes.
Sailing yacht Brindabella - Around Australia Record Attempt - Photo Credit Ian Thomson
Save Our Seas Australia not only raises awareness of the damage plastic bags do but are active in saving our reef and educating the youth. They are currently setting up a day with divers as part of the Padi Project Aware clean up day, are setting up a day to search for and destroy the damaging Crown of Thorns at Bait Reef in the Whitsundays, as well as working with the Whitsunday PCYC in creating programs to educate the youth on their backyard. Ian will also be talking with students at primary schools in Victoria in late October.
When asked what type of crew he was looking for Ian stated ‘This is not a leisurely sail around the cans, this is a full blown World Record attempt and Brindabella is a very powerful machine. We need experienced crew in all positions however you need to be a good person too. We have to spend approximately 30 days on this boat together so we need to get along. You will also need to be fit as this is a tiring task. I lost 14kg in 6 weeks when I sailed around solo and the mental fitness is also a major key. However sailors of all abilities and backgrounds are urged to apply as long as you have some offshore experience.’
For full details on this campaign and to apply for this unique job, visit the campaigns website at www.sosoceanracing.com
Ian just finished his book Dare to Dream and said ‘If you don’t dream it, you will never do it!’
