Save Our Seas (SOS)
- Ian at the wheel
"In 2010 SOS Ocean Racing will campaign in major regattas throughout Australia and also race the clock around Australia to break a world record."
Ian Thomson wants to raise more awareness about what a problem plastic bags can cause to our environment and the animals that live in it. The plastic bags you get at the supermarket are very light and if you don't reuse or recycle them, they can end up on the streets or worse, in the ocean. Once plastic bags end up in the ocean turtles can confuse them for jellyfish, their favourite food. A turtle cannot regurgitate because the spine in the throat has bones that point backwards. Once the plastic bag is in, it can't go out anymore.
"I once saw a turtle that had a plastic bag for a stomach. It had formed perfectly in its stomach that the opening was at it's throat and no product was able to get to the digestive system. The turtle starved to death. The contents of that bag included 12 cigarette butts, a bottle cap and part of a coke can."
Solo around Australia
To get even more attention, Ian wants to break the current world record for sailing around Australia, non-stop and unassisted. This current record stands at 68 days and Ian wants to achieve this in 50 days.
You can follow Ian in his attempt on his website. Every 30 minutes the tracker will update the data. This will be one of the most interactive sailing ventures ever as technology takes you onboard the vessel with Ian.
He started his campaign with the Brisbane To Gladstone Yachtrace and after his attempt to sail solo around Australia he's going to compete in the major regatta's in Australia like the Audi Sydney To Southport, Brisbane To Keppel, Airlie Beach Race Week, Hamilton Island Race Week and the most famous one, The Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race. You have the chance to be a member of Ian's team on one of these regatta's! Find out more and become a member!
- This turtle died because of plastic
Support Ian, become a member
- Bird covered in plastic
In order to get our message out there and campaign the governments and councils Ian and his team need your support. By becoming a member you will help Ian to reach his goals.
Each member will receive a member package including your own free crew shirt so you can spread the message in your local town. Your membership package will also give you discounts from our sponsors. You can find a list with sponsors on the website. This list will continue to grow. Simply contact our sponsors and state that you are a member of the SOS Ocean Racing Campaign and they will give you their specified discount.
Each member will also have their name on the hull of the yacht so you come along for the ride. Whilst this is a solo effort on the water, it takes more than one person to make this happen. With everyone's name on the hull, Ian will be encouraged to go on even in times of difficulty as Ian will be representing all of you.
After the round Australia trip Ian and his team will compete in several regattas and we will give our members a chance to join us through a lucky draw. It will be a chance for you to sail with Ian and other talented sailors in a major regatta.
And finally, members will be entitled to join us in Airlie Beach on 30 April 2010 for a members only evening prior to the big event. This is a chance to meet Ian in person and look over the vessel. Crew shirts must be worn to get entry to the function.
For more information about becoming a member please visit Ian's website.
Please also visit the Facebook page and become a member
