Robbie Stewart

 

Robbie started sailing EAORA / RORC races in the 70’s on a variety of boats, before building a succession of his own yachts that had been designed by his brother.  

 

From the very successful Limbo 6.6 to the current IRC yacht, “Chips”, Robbie loved the design process and the challenge of building them in a farmer's barn and his joy at seeing them splash in the water was evident for everyone to see. If the boat could go on to lift a bit of silverware he would enjoy a modest little celebration. 

 

Robbie gave numerous youngsters the opportunity to kickstart their sailing careers, always prepared to take an extra crew member if asked. He engendered an amazing spirit and was a large part of EAORA’s success both on and off the water. 

 

His seamanship skills were unsurpassed, firstly all his boats were kept in fabulous condition but if something did go wrong then there wasn’t much a sail tie couldn’t sort out. Except of course when “Blush’ (Modified Oyster Lightwave 395) suffered mast damage in Burnham, the crew unstepped it by hand on the end of the RBYC pontoon, added a sleeve to straighten it out before re-rigging and sailing the next day. 

 

Robbie won every EAORA trophy and east coast RORC trophy, he was so proud of winning the Blackwater Trophy with “Blush”, “Geek” and “I Say…. Ding Dong!”. Being part of numerous RBYC teams to lift the Club Championship also gave him immense pleasure. 

 

May his inspirational legacy live on. 

 

Our thoughts are with Pippa, Nick, Joe and his many friends. 

 

#Limbo #Secrets #Blush #Flashback #The Geek #Booty #ISayDingDong #Hellaby #Chips