Word just arrived from my old friend Dick Enersen, that shipmate Bob Connell has “crossed over the bar”. Bob, I believe had sailed on 5 america’s cup defenders, all in the 12 meter era. I had sailed with Bob on 12 meters, and I don’t know how many offshore races on I don’t know how many different boats over the years. In the Mediterranean, Cowes, Admiral’s Cup, SORC, so many I don’t remember them all. Thankfully the 12 meter America’s Cup re-union took place in September 2010. Where shipmates could find each other once again.
Bobby was aboard the power boat that set the record between Miami and New York. A record that might still stand because no one wants to be that uncomfortable for that long. I am not sure his back was ever right again, after that.
