The Publisher
*****
Dec 1, 2010, 2:57 PM
Post #1 of 1
(2582 views)
Shortcut
|
|
EIGHT BELLS - Robert H. Grant
|
Log-In to Post/Reply
|
|
ROBERT H. GRANT, beloved skipper and owner of the very successful line of sailboats named ROBON, died in Newport Beach, CA last week at the age of 90. A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Newport Harbor YC this Friday, December 3, 2010, at 3 p.m.
Bob’s second –most meaningful sailing accomplishment was his first-to-finish victory in the 1972 Bermuda race aboard Robon III. After flourishing to weather for the last stretch of the race in 75+ knots of breeze and significant waves, Robon was shepherded by Bob toward the finish off St. David’s Head on the very dark and stormy night of June 20. Bob and his crew pushed the brand new C&C 61 in its first race ever to also win Class A in the fleet of 178 starters. Robon’s competitors included some of the finest sailboats of the time, including the much larger Winward Passage, Blackfin, and Ondine.
Bob’s most meaningful sailing success was the great amount of love, dedication and respect which existed between him and the many crew who were fortunate to see a sunrise at sea with him. His crew included many of the legends of Pacific Coast sailing, including Kenny Watts, Burke Sawyer, Bill Lawhorn, E. Ben Mitchell, George Griffith, Saint Cicero, Jack Hall and Don Vaughn. His three sons Taylor, Gerry and Larry regularly accompanied Bob offshore.
Bob was a founding director of California International Sailing Association (“CISA”), and, as Treasurer, funded the first junior training activities for California’s young, aspiring sailors. It was through the foresight of the Founders like Bob and the great efforts of those who followed that CISA has become the preeminent regularly scheduled junior training institution in the world.
Bob Grant sailed his Robons in many Whitney and Ahmanson series races, St. Francis Big Boat Series, TransPacs, Acapulcos, Mazatlans, and was the elapsed time record holder in the La Paz race. He also reigned as Columbia 50 national champion at the height of that class’s popularity.
In celebration of Bob’s life, his friends and shipmates are invited to gather at NHYC on Friday for a very memorable Dark ‘n’ Stormy in Bob’s honor.
Best regards,
Andy Macdonald
|
SCUTTLEBUTT
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG IN