Bob Salmon passes away

Bob Salmon watching the UK Fastnet 6.50 © UK Fastnet 6.50

The Devon sailor who played a central role in popularising single-handed ocean racing has died aged 78.

Bob Salmon of Mewstone Avenue, Wembury, near Plymouth, developed the idea of a low-cost race across the Atlantic to make yacht racing more accessible to those lacking personal wealth or large sponsor budgets.

In 1977 he organised the first Mini Transat for 21-foot racing yachts from Penzance to Antigua via a stop-over in Tenerife.

After four biennial races from Penzance, all organised by Bob and his wife Beryl with Bob racing in the first two, the race relocated to France in 1985.

Since then the Mini Transat has gone from strength to strength and remains a must-do race for all aspiring – and not a few already successful – solo ocean racers, and is still raced in 21-foot yachts. The race helped launch the careers of Dame Ellen MacArthur and many other British and French racing stars.

'The technology has changed but people are still the same,' Bob remarked in a recent filmed interview.

Following the Mini Transat's move to a welcoming France, Bob turned his attention to the fully-crewed Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race) and skippered maxi yacht entries in the 1985-86 (Norsk Data) and 1989-90 (Liverpool Enterprise) events.

Well-known Devon-based sailing meteorologist Chris Tibbs, who sailed with Bob on both Whitbread races, said: 'Before meeting Bob the opportunity of racing a maxi around the world was unthinkable. Sailing as mate gave me the knowledge and confidence to continue my career as well as providing a great adventure.

'The Mini Transat and the Whitbread have changed many people's lives, including mine.' Bob died on November 24th.