Eight Bells: Robert Veltman

Robert Veltman, 69, of Gloucester, Mass crossed the bar unexpectedly on November 11, 2016. He was a lifelong professional sailor, sailmaker, rigger, boat captain, boat yard manager, and avid skier who will be sorely missed in the local community, big boat racing and Sunday River ski area.

He worked for Hood Sailmaker’s, Hood Yacht Systems, and was the professional on IOR 50 Pioneer before running Brown’s Yacht Yard in Gloucester for 29 years.

As an avid ocean racer he sailed in Newport/Bermuda, Annapolis/Newport and SORC’s and too many deliveries to name. Some of the boats that he raced on were Arbella, Bumblebee, Merrithought Pioneer, Enterprise, Robin, Leda, Courageous, and Bolero.

His last big race was Marblehead/Halifax on Evolution, an Aerodyne 38 on which he was the key player. Fine tuning Evolution’s brand new carbon fiber Hall spar, and waxing it on the spar deck was his last assignment and he was ready to go full tilt next season with a handpicked crew that he had mentored over many years.

There will be a memorial service at 2:30 pm on Sunday, December 4th, 2016 at the Annisquam Village Church in Annisquam, Massachusetts. Donations in his memory may be made to Sail GHS, Inc. (local high school sailing program of which Bob was an enthusiastic supporter) for the Robert E. Veltman Memorial Fund, c/o Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01931. Sail GHS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.