6:34 AM Sun 21 Mar 2010 GMT
Timing is everything and due to Cyclone Ului heading towards Airlie Beach my last trip was cancelled allowing me to head to Brisbane a day early. Today Airlie Beach, my home town is in clean up mode and I do wish I was there to help with the massive clean up however I know the community will pull together and the work will be done as a team. Reports state that the damage is not as bad as what it could have been with damage being minor to moderate. Hamilton Island recorded a gust of 109 knots which is 202kmh. Glad we weren't sailing in that one.
I have now started the massive mission to get the boat ready. Yesterday was a chance to get into the boat and get the start I needed. I pulled all the old electronics out in ready for the new Furuno package that I pick up on Monday. I also took all current stickers off so that on Tuesday Chris from Boatnames Australia can logo up the hull. So keep an eye out for photos of the boat with our logos on Tuesday night on the website. Laura Warlow from Doyle Brisbane also came over and measured the rig up for a new furling headsail and for a furler. She will be supporting me with great discounts on the new sail and the modifications to existing sails as well as organising a my furlers which are being provided by Selden.
Also confirmed last week was a deal with ICOM Australia. I have always used ICOM and it is the only communication equipment I trust. They will be providing me with a brand new VHF radio with a mic for the cockpit as well as their new AIS unit which will link into my Furuno system so I can track the super tankers and avoid them. I am very happy they have come on board as communications are key on a mission like this and having the best there is means the trip is that little bit safer.
www.icom.net.au
Also on board in the last two weeks is Meridien Marinas Abel Point. Manager Richard Madison has allowed me free berthing when I arrive just after Easter until I depart in May. They have also allowed me to use their main pontoon on the morning of departure and when I get back. It is great to have such a great marina company get behind me and if you are up in the Whitsundays you have to come and stay at Abel Point Marina or check out the new Port of Airlie due to open later this year or early next year.
www.meridienmarinas.com.au
As mentioned before, the boat will be looking pretty smart thanks to the support from Boatnames Australia. Chris used to do the names on all the boats I sold and has now agreed to do all the signs on my boat. He is the best in the business and his names are not just plain, they have the ability of creating names in any font, style and have graphics that will make any boat look great. The best part is you can design it all online and they can send them to you to fit yourself.
www.boatnames.com.au
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Last week I was invited to join this group of businesses and celebrities to get the message out. The group includes people such as Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Danny Glover and many more. This group will give my campaign maximum exposure around the world and will hopefully allow me to eventually set sail around the world. This is the sort of reach I want my campaign to make. They found my site and invited me so this proves my campaigns message is getting out and I haven't even started yet so who knows how big this can be but it is heading in the right direction.
Membership or Shirts
Now that the campaign is less than two weeks from being on the start line of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, it is time to show your support for our campaign. Membership is the best way with individual memberships costing just $100 and family membership for $250. You get the crew polo shirt as well as access to our discount package. If you can't afford the membership then consider buying one of the polo shirts ($50) or T-shirts ($30). I have a huge pile of them sitting at home but they will get the message out better on your backs so please support my campaign and help me get the message out to the millions that Plastic Bags are killing our world. Visit the website to make the purchase and support our campaign.
www.sosoceanracing.com
by Ian Thomson
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Macquarie Island, TAS
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