Hibbard Takes on VX 40 catamaran and, err, runs out of fuel!!

Never one to miss an opportunity for a bit of competition, John Hibbard, Tushingham and Starboard Pro Rider jumped at the chance to race against Basilica, a Volvo Extreme 40 Catamaran. Basilica is one of the boats in the port race series that follows the Volvo Ocean Race around the globe. With the restart of the Round The World race due to happen from Portsmouth tomorrow, John managed to get involved with a race with Basilica between the 2 Southsea Piers. Also entering in the race were Chris Bull with his Kitesurfer and a 18ft Skiff. Unfortunately the wind wasn’t playing ball. Not wanting to be out done, John managed to convince one of the support boats to tow him the length of the course (almost 2 miles). John pulled out a healthy lead over Basilica and the Skiff (Chris and his kite couldn’t even get off the beach) and he was looking good for the win. Disaster struck when only 100 meters from the finish line John’s tow ran out of fuel and he ground to a halt, allowing first Basilica and then the Fat Face Skiff to cruise on by!! Still, a quality day out on the water and something that Basilica and John’s sponsors Fat Face are keen to repeat again when there is more wind. Watch this space.

(Look closely at the pic and you’ll see the tow rope!)