Posted: August 14, 2011
Media Release No.12
Solo sailor Bruce Arms, in his 14 metre catamaran Big Wave Rider, has his sights firmly set on breaking the round Australia record with just 1400 km left to get to the start and finishing point at Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The renowned sailor and two-time winner of the Solo Trans-Tasman yacht race, has completed week five of his world-record attempt to sail around Australia solo, non-stop, and unassisted in under 42 days.
At 12 noon on Sunday 14 August 2011, he was 300 kilometres ESE of Gabo Island near the Victorian border and 61 hours ahead of the existing World Record of 42 days 5 hours 33 minutes.
During week five of his attempt, Bruce has sailed just on 1500 kilometres from the Great Australian Bight, down the west coast of Tasmania, past South East Cape and across Bass Strait.
Bruce said conditions have again varied, from huge swells in the Southern Ocean to the cold, almost calm days encountered as he rounded the bottom of Tasmania.
“It been a tough journey but with only 1400 kilometres left to go my confidence is rising every day, even though there is a long way to go I am very confident that I can reach the finish line this week.”
“Forecast weather conditions this week look very favourable and that is a great relief as it has been a treacherous journey with 60 knot winds and 12 metre waves experienced along the way,” said Bruce.
“There is still a long way to go but a finish before the end of this week is possible, probably sometime on Thursday.
Arriving in Mooloolaba this Thursday would see Bruce break the existing World record by around three days.
“It’s really exciting to be on the home stretch, I’ve missed my wife and friends and I’ve certainly had enough of this cold climate sailing. Give me sunny Queensland anytime!” he said.
Follow Bruce Arms journey in Big Waver Rider via Addcom Contact Solutions
Website: http://www.acssatellite.com.au/products/tracking-portal/bruce-arms-solo-around-australia.html
Media Interviews available via Satellite Phone.
Ends.
Media Contact: Suzanne Arms
Mob: 0416 331 181
www.brucearms.com
info@bwrmultihulls.com
