It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Bob Bond, the pioneer of the RYA’s training schemes, who sadly lost his long battle with cancer yesterday (03 March); age 73.

Appointed by the RYA in 1969 as National Coach, Bob set up what was then called the National Proficiency Scheme for dinghy sailing. Many of his innovations, including the famous RYA method of teaching people how to sail, remain virtually unchanged today; a testament to his vision and foresight. 

James Stevens, RYA Training Manager, and successor to Bob as head of the RYA Training Department said “Bob had a profound influence on the sport of sailing in the UK. His remarkable achievement was to persuade all the various people involved in training and instruction to adopt a common syllabus and method of teaching sailing. 

“His belief in the importance of instructor training and the principles he initiated are the reason why RYA training is the world leader.”

On leaving the RYA in 1982 Bob worked for US Sailing, assisting with their training programmes. He was later appointed as Head of Plas Menai, the Welsh National sailing centre in North Wales and after a very successful 10 years he moved to the North East and ran the Castlegate Watersports Centre. His passion and enthusiasm for the sport remained undiminished. 

RYA Regional Development Officer for the North East and Yorkshire, Susie Blair developed a strong bond with Bob over the past few years. She says: “His enthusiasm was infectious and encouragement constant. He was so passionate about supporting the training instructors in the North East, both the new and more experienced benefitted from his knowledge and positive approach, he will be sadly missed by the whole sailing community of the North East.