About me

Name:
Wade ‘BUBS’ Morgan
Position:
Bowman
Date of Birth:
05 March, 1981
Height:
1.88 m
Weight:
114 kg
Born:
Belmont, Australia
Nationality:
Australian
Marital Status:
Married

Question & answer

  • When and where did you first sail?
    Lake Macquarie NSW Australia.
  • What has been your proudest sailing moment?
    Challenging for the America's Cup for Australia when I was 18-years-old.
  • Can you recall your scariest moment at sea?
    Losing a crew member overboard, thankfully we got him back.
  • In 3 words, summarise your role on the boat?
    Boat captain, bowman.
  • What do you miss most when you are at sea?
    Wife and daughter, they are the best.
  • How are you enjoying life in Abu Dhabi?
    It's great, haven't had a drop of rain since I arrived.
  • Best Abu Dhabi moment?
    Competing in my first triathlon - The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in March. It was loads of fun but real tough in 35 degree heat! Glad I did it though, it was a real mental and physical test.
  • What do you think visitors to Abu Dhabi can expect when the yachts come in on New Year's day?
    A huge welcome I expect, Abu Dhabi seems to throw everything at their sporting events so I'm sure this will be no different, especially if we are here first.
  • Which leg of the race are you most excited about and why?
    Mainly the first to see how our boat goes. Also the leg into Abu Dhabi will be great, as will the last stretch, if not a bit sad too.
  • Are there any 'home comforts' that you'll be sneaking on board?
    Not sure, last minute decision I think.
  • What's the first thing you'll do when you reach port after each leg?
    Eat food that I need to chew.
  • Do you have any tips for budding young sailors who are keen to get started?
    Get a job on a Maxi, work really hard and learn as much as you can in all aspects.
  • What would you have done if you hadn't been a sailor?
    Probably build boats or houses. I'm a big guy too, good at lifting stuff.
  • How will you prepare for the race? (exercise/food/sleep)
    I'm going to try to be as strong and flexible as possible to prevent injury and make my job as easy as possible.
  • How important is winning to you?
    Very, I think we have a great shot.
  • How will you keep morale high if you experience any difficulties. How will you keep everyone focused/entertained?
    I'll probably try to keep the mood light but work as hard as I can to get us back on track.
  • What is the best piece of advice you have been given about the race i.e. 'look after the boat and it will look after you'?
    Look after yourself, hygiene wise, nutrition etc… it is super important. You can't sail a winning yacht if you are mentally and physically drained, no matter how good you are.
  • What would we find under your bunk?
    I hate to think after 25 days.

Meet Wade Morgan

Bowman

Wade ‘Bubs’ Morgan is as talented as he is outgoing. Having started sailing at six-years-old in his native Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia, he moved up the ranks to become one of the country’s most promising future stars.

Standing at an imposing 6’4”, Bubs’ has sailed in two America’s Cup campaigns and in three Maxi Yacht World Championships – experience which is a major boost to Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s title hopes, and allows the team to fill the crucial under-30s role with as much experience as possible.

my all time top 5 achievements

  • 2007 - Sydney Hobart Race - Winner and Boat Captain
  • 2002/09 - 2 x Line Honours Sydney Hobart - Boat Captain
  • 2000s - 2 x Americas Cup Crew - Various
  • 2000s - 3 x Maxi Yacht World Champion - Bow
  • - Line Honours Fastnet Race - Bow

In testament to his maturity, Bubs will also take on the demanding role of boat captain for the team’s new, state-of-the-art Volvo Open 70, which has been built by Persico SPA in Northern Italy and designed by industry-stalwart, Farr Yacht Design of the USA.

A self-confessed true-blue Aussie, the father-of-one hopes to add the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 to an ever growing list of accolades.