Bob Fraser has enjoyed great success as an ocean racer while also building an international sail-making business. He joined CYCA in 1977 and has competed in 28 Sydney Hobart Yacht Races, claiming one Overall Win and two Line Honours victories. 

Part 1 of the interview with Bob covers: his early sailing days, racing in 1979 on Deception and the Southern Cross Cup, the 1980 Gold Coast Express, racing aboard Smuggler in 1981 and Audacity in 1982, the 1983, 1987 and 1993 Admiral’s Cups, the Windward Passage*, Brindabella, racing on Assassin in 1992 and Bob’s thoughts on sailing today. 

*NOTE: In 1988, Bob helmed Rod Muir’s maxi Windward Passage II, finishing first in all races, first in Class A in the Kenwood Cup and winning the ICAYA trophy (Maxi World Championship).

You can view previous episodes of the Video Archive Project on the CYCA website.

Part 2 covers: Bob’s early sailmaking days, the NZ loft, Brad Stephens and 3D sails, opening lofts in the US and Japan, the D4 story, and Bob’s thoughts on the America’s Cup.