Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Bermudian Bobby Doe at the dock in St. George's

A Bermuda boat builder, described by his daughter as "a bit of a rebel," is nearing the end of his 635-mile trip from Bermuda to Newport in an 18-foot skiff, powered by a 9.9-horsepower outboard motor.

Bobby Doe, 66, who tried and failed to make the trip once before, left Saturday afternoon and is expected to arrive in Newport today, burning about 30 gallons of gasoline. At 1:35 this morning, the satellite transponder aboard his boat showed him to be about 45 miles south of Martha's Vineyard.

Tina Barnard, one of Doe’s daughters, said he plans to make the return trip with the fleet of sailing yachts competing in the Newport Bermuda Race, starting off Castle Hill Friday afternoon.

In 1980, the native Bermudian built the 72-foot yacht Christian Venture, now called Rock Steady, and sailed it around the world, said his daughter.

“He walks his own path,” Barnard said. “If there are two roads to choose, he’ll make a third and take that one. He’s a bit of a rebel.”

Doe tried to make the 635-mile voyage from Bermuda to Newport last October. Half way to his destination, he was forced to turn back when he hit foul weather and the Gulf Stream simultaneously.

He suffered a heart attack in November and had to be flown from Bermuda to Boston for treatment.

On this week's passage, he is trying to raise awareness and money for the Lady Cubit Compassionate Association, which provided the funds for his hospital care, said his son-in-law, Chris Barnard.

To follow Doe’s progress, click here.

-- Journal outdoors writer Tom Meade

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