Sailor Bruce Arms sets new world-record

by Janel Shorthouse

Queensland sailor Bruce Arms has set a new world-record for sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia.

Renowned sailor Bruce Arms from the Sunshine Coast sailed into a stormy Mooloolaba just before 10 O'clock this morning to claim victory and the new world-record for sailing solo, non-stop and unassisted around Australia.

The two-time winner of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Race completed his journey 79 hours and 27 minutes ahead of the existing record of 42 days 5 hours 33 minutes.

The yacht called the Big Wave Rider was built by Bruce, and is also the first multi-hull vessel of its kind to complete the non-stop voyage.

Although his attempt is yet to be ratified by race officials, current race record holder Ian Thomson of England has already rung Bruce to congratulate him.

Once over the finish line, Bruce made his way to the Mooloolaba Yacht Club to waiting friends and family and the media.

"It's great to be back here, it's nice and warm too. It's amazing, it's going to take a week to sink in actually.

"I think the boat needs a good rest - she's done a few hard miles and I've had twenty minutes sleep in the last twenty-four hours so yeah that's been a bit tough.

"We had a lot of prawn trawlers and ships out there last night and, we had to do quite a bit of dodging and awake all the time so that was pretty hard...but it's good to be home," says Bruce.

Good friend and fellow world-record breaking sailor Jessica Watson boarded Bruce's yacht at the finish line and took control of the helm to allow Bruce time to wave to the spectators who'd gathered along the Mooloolaba Spit to see the new world record holder arrive home safely.

"It's just so exciting... It was a total role reversal for me to see Bruce in, he was the first out to see me when I came in so it's been really nice to be able to do the same to some extent...it's been really tough out there for Bruce and it's really lovely to have him back," says Jessica.


ABC Sunshine Coast