Nick Bubb to be Watch Leader on Leg 2
by Volvo media on 7 Nov 2008
Nick Bubb SW
Team Russia today announced that Nick Bubb (29) takes on the role of Watch Leader for Leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race. With the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race starting on the 15 November, the first crew changes were announced yesterday.
British born Bubb was Team Russia’s pitman and boat captain on Leg 1. Looking after all the below deck systems including hydraulics and engines, he was instrumental in the repair of the ripped ’ram boots’ in the first 24 hours out of Alicante. Bubb will continue with his boat captain duties alongside his new role on Kosatka.
Nick replaces Guillermo Altadill of Spain as Watch Leader 'It was good to have Guillermo on leg 1, to benefit from his experience,' explains Andreas Hanakamp, skipper of Team Russia.
In another crew move, PUMA Ocean Racing announced that veteran duo
Jerry Kirby and Jonathan McKee will be rested for the leg to India. The American pair, aged 52 and 48 respectively, will be replaced for the 4,450-nautical mile trip to Cochin by
Shannon Falcone of Antigua and New Zealand’s
Robbie Naismith, a previous race winner.
According to the team’s general manager Kimo Worthington, the move was taken to preserve freshness within the team.
Worthington revealed it was a policy of the team to rotate crew throughout the 37,000-nautical mile epic, but would not divulge when Kirby and McKee might return.
Martin Stromberg has recovered from a hand injury in time to take his place onboard Ericsson 3 for leg two.
The Swede, 26, was forced to miss the first leg after breaking bones in his left hand during a practice session at the team’s training base in Lanzarote in August.
It paved the way for Norwegian Star sailor Eivind Melleby to join the team as they scooped a stunning third place finish into Cape Town, but now the pair will swap back and Stromberg can resume his duties as a trimmer.
'It was very difficult, having trained so long not to be on the boat,' Stromberg said. 'But I am really looking forward to getting back and sailing to India.'
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