popular local veterans had their feet firmly planted on Island soil.

Paul Hubbard and Buddy Rego decided not to participate in the biennial 635-mile Atlantic crossing.

Hubbard has made the trip three times, including two years ago skippering Tonka .

But the 36-foot Sigma is "a little small'' for the race, he says, and currently has a For Sale sign on it.

Until it's sold, Hubbard said he is unable to bring his recently-purchased 43.5-foot Oyster up from the Caribbean. Even then, Hubbard isn't sure if he would subject Bermuda Oyster , which he sailed to third place during Antigua Race Week last month, to the rigours of Newport-Bermuda.

"It's more of a cruising boat, anyway,'' he said.

Hubbard purchased the boat this past winter at about the same time his friend, Brian Hall, got an Oyster of his own, the 48.5-foot Forever Young .

But Forever Young is being berthed abroad and will also skip Newport.

As for Rego, he missed the 1996 race after a strong effort skippering Tsunami in 1994. He has indicated a desire to sail the race again but decided to take a breather this year because of family commitments.

After the birth of his second child, 5-month-old daughter Gerogia -- and the expansion of his business, "I made a promise for this year (not to race),'' Rego said.

Rego, however, says will take part in next year's Marion-Bermuda Race.