Renowned sailor heads back to sea

Renowned sailor Bruce Arms and solo round-the-world yachtie Jessica Watson have teamed up to compete in this year’s Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland’s Brisbane to Gladstone race which commences at the southern end of Waterloo Bay, Manly at 11am on Good Friday.

Bruce was a critical part of Jessica’s support team when she successfully completed her solo round the world challenge in 2010 and the pair have selected a five-person team to compete in Bruce’s 14m catamaran Big Wave Rider. The team are Bruce and Suzanne Arms, Jessica Watson, Sean Lindsel of the Sunshine Coast and Rupert King of Airlie Beach.

Bruce said he was delighted to have Jessica join his crew as they take on the iconic race this Easter. 

"Jess is a great helmsperson and she has steered Big Wave Rider at the high sailing speeds that multihull's can achieve," he said.

"Jess is the Queensland Season of Sailing 2011 Ambassador and it is a fitting title as she has amazing skill and experience for someone her age. It will be great to have her on board."

Bruce said he would use the event as vital practice before he sets off for his world record attempt to sail around Australia in just 35 days in early June this year.

"We have been working on Big Wave Rider to get her prepared and the Brisbane to Gladstone race is a fantastic precursor to what I hope to achieve in June. I have got some great sponsors on board and I hope this event will help build my profile so we can secure more sponsorship," Bruce said.