Newport Bermuda race - Hubbard defends title

by Colin Thompson on 19 Jun 2010 Newport to Bermuda Race

Affable sailor Paul Hubbard remained upbeat about his chances of defending his Cruiser Division title on the eve of this year’s Newport to Bermuda Race that got underway today.

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club stalwart is again competing on Bermuda Oyster with an experienced crew that includes Barbara Ashfield, Stephen Benn, Michall Gladwin, David Mello, Neil Redburn and race newbie Jodi Valentine.

En route to Newport Bermuda Oyster encountered a turbulent ride through the Gulf Stream before suffering engine problems that threatened to undermine Hubbard’s title defence.

'The engine and generator needed redoing because we had dirty fuel. We had a lot of problems with the engine and then coming in (to Newport) we were just about to have happy hour when they engine quit — and so it became miserable hour,' he explained.

Mechanical problems forced Hubbard to withdraw from last year’s Marion to Bermuda Race and for a time it seemed as though lightening would strike twice.

'These are all last minute things,' he said, trying his best to put a positive spin on his misfortune on the high seas. 'There was no panic whereas in one race we had a chase boat actually come out with a spare battery because we lost our alternator.

'I’m the one who gets apprehensive and worries about everything – everyone else just wants to get going.

'Even though you start planning in January, there’s always the last minute things that happen – but the boat is in pretty god shape. This year, touch wood, everything is going to be alright and we are pretty optimistic now.'

Even at the seasoned age of 66, Hubbard gets a thrill out of competing in the Newport to Bermuda Race.

He added: 'I’ve done it for so many years and every year I think I’ll take it easy and then the race comes around and I think to myself ‘oh…. I‘ve got to go again.’'

Hubbard is bracing himself for another potentially bumpy ride through the Gulf Stream – that is should conditions dictate.
He added: 'It’s going to be pretty tricky in the Gulf Stream, but the guys will decide which way we will go. I just monitor things while the committee rules – we have lots of experience on the boat and it is the crew that makes the race.'

Other local skippers in this year’s Newport to Bermuda Race are Colin Couper (Babe), Dr. Stephen Sherwin (Nasty Medicine), Mark Watson (Genuine Risk) and Buddy Rego, who is co-skipper of Vanquish.

Greeting the local fleet in Newport yesterday was Governor Sir Richard Gozney who has not ruled out competing in an ocean race during his watch.

'That would be fun. If someone asks me to do it next year, then I will do it,' he vowed.

Responding to a reporter’s question, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club commodore Peter Shrubb gave his personal take on the mysterious ‘Bermuda Triangle’.

'We do have some fishermen who will tell you they have seen their compasses spinning in circles,' he smiled. 'Who knows, it could be the rum setting in.'