Of all the PNW sailing luminaries, Bob Perry has probably had the biggest impact of all. His induction to the Sailing Hall of Fame is well deserved.
First of all, Bob’s designs are everywhere. And even when cruisers are not of his design, it’s not too hard to detect Bob’s influence. Secondly, Bob’s boat reviews in Sailing Magazine have educated and entertained sailors everywhere about yacht design. Who among us have not pored over his reviews? Finally, he moved with the times and enjoys a large online following, with sailors engaging with him constantly. And he does love the discourse. His enthusiasm and creativity has not waned and he continues to surprise with the projects he takes on. For instance, I just learned he redesigned the interiors for the Farr racer turned offshore trainer/adventure boat Falken for 59 North.
I’ve had the great good fortune to edit his column in Sailing Magazine for several years and now sell his designs as a broker. I’m proud to call him my friend.
Here’s a link to the US Sailing announcement.
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Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.
I have had a much different experience with Bob Perry. I took off for two years, living and cruising in the Med aboard my Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45. Bob first blasted me heavily in my blog for taking my then 13 year old son down the new England coastline on a delivery south in the heart of winter. He had no knowledge of me and treated me as though I was brand new to sailing, and knew nothing like he does.
I let that one slide. Later, in the Mediterranean, he blasted my blog again, and was relentless in his accusations and demeaning. At that point, I had no other choice than to ban him from commenting on my blog.
I did not know Bob beforehand, and his unprovoked attacks were shocking. That he has been admitted to the Sailing hall of fame is disappointing, and tarnishes the names of the other fine sailors in that hallowed Hall.