‘Wild Oats’ owner, Bob Oatley passed away at 87

Image: Wild Oats – Many people support the sport in any way they can,  those with resources are sometimes also key in giving life to new projects like founding Yacht Clubs or building hot racers like ‘Wild Oats’, his work allowed more sailors to be involved with the sport and that is a great legacy.
—–
Matt Allen, Yachting Australia, President :
Vale Robert ‘Bob’ Oatley AO – “Bob mentored many sailors and supported them throughout their careers and many people owe him a debt of gratitude. He was a Foundation Member of the Australian Sailing Team Patrons’ Program and we are extremely grateful for his contribution and support over many years,”

Sail-World Article by Richard Gladwell at : ww.sail-world.com/Wild-Oats-XI-owner-and-sailing-patron-Bob-Oatley-dead-at-87/141427
“The Patriarch of the Oatley family and one of Australia’s most prominent sailing campaigners and backers, Bob Oatley has died after an illness at the age of 87.
Best known in sailing circles as the owner of Wild Oats XI, the outstanding supermaxi that won eight Rolex Sydney Hobart Races. The family is also owner of Hamilton Resort and Robert Oatley Vineyards.

A long time sailor, in 1993 Oatley commissioned the original Wild Oats, a state of the art kevlar 43 footer which won the 1994 Sydney Hobart with Roger Hickman on the helm and then again as Wild Rose in 2014…
Full article & past interviews at sail-world.com