Bubb bumped up

As Guillermo Altadill departs Team Russia

Team Russia today announced that Nick Bubb (29) will take on the role of Watch Leader for Leg 2 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Nick joins Stig Westergaard (DK) as the second watch leader on Kosatka , leaving Cape Town for Kochi, India on 15 November 2008.

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. Nick will continue with his boat captain duties alongside his new role.

Andreas Hanakamp, skipper of Team Russia praised Nick’s contribution on Leg 1; “Nick’s appointment has been very well received by the crew, a testimony to his teamwork and excellent boat handling and fixing skills. Always positive, Nick’s time spent campaigning Open class boats and extensive offshore sailing experience has proved invaluable for handling the Volvo Open 70.”

Nick has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has extensive short-handed racing experience including four years of Mini Transat racing. He took part in the Oryx Quest with Tony Bullimore on the maxi cat Daedalus as well as competing in a Class 40 in the Route du Rhum and Transat Jacques Vabre. Before he joined Team Russia he worked with Mike Golding on the Open 60 Ecover .

Nick replaces Guillermo Altadill (ESP) as Watch Leader. “It was good to have Guillermo on leg 1, to benefit from his experience,” explains Hanakamp.

Nick and the team are enjoying a well-earned rest in Cape Town while the shore crew give Kosatka a full service and work through the minor repairs and refinements before the boat leaves on its 4,450 nautical mile race to Kochi.