Eight Bells: Robert S. Erskine, Jr.

Bob Erskine passed away in Essex, Connecticut on December 20, 2014 at the age of 88. Born in Bronxville, New York to Robert and Marguerite Erskine, Bob attended Deerfield Academy and Harvard University before earning his JD from Columbia Law School in 1952. He served in the Merchant Marine, and also in the US Army until 1954. He practiced law his entire career at Carter, Ledyard and Milburn in New York City, becoming a partner in 1964.

Bob grew up sailing at the American Yacht Club in Rye, NY, first in the Bullseye class, and then aboard his family’s Alden Coastwise Cruiser. On the recommendation of Lorna Hibbard, he joined Rod Stephen’s crew aboard the NY 32 Mustang in 1950, and remained an active participant in racing on and off the water for the next 50 years.

During that span he sailed multiple Block Island, Vineyard, and Bermuda Races. He raced across the Atlantic multiple times, and won the Fastnet Race twice, in 1959 and 1963. He also was active in smaller boats, racing IC dinghies and Shields at Larchmont Yacht Club and Sunfish in Nantucket. Off the water, he served as the counsel to the Cruising Club of America, Secretary of the New York Yacht Club from 1975-1980, and as one of 5 members of the arbitration panel selected for America’s Cup 2000.

Bob maintained his membership in the American Yacht Club throughout his lifetime, and was also a member of the New York Yacht Club the Cruising Club of America, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Storm Trysail Club, and the Nantucket Yacht Club. He was a founding Commodore of the Shimmo Yacht Squadron.

Upon retirement he cruised extensively with his wife Barbara aboard their 32’ powerboat Olympia, covering the entire eastern seaboard from the Bra d’Or Lakes to Key West.

He shared his love of the water with his family, and is survived by Barbara, daughters Eliza Drummond and Anne Black, and son Thomas. He also is survived by 6 grandchildren, Russell Drummond, Sam and Catherine Black, Andrew, Cole and Madelyn Erskine.

No service is planned. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, www.nantucketconservation.org.