Eight Bells: Evelyn Ross

Following on from the death of her husband – noted sailing journalist Bob Ross – in June, Evelyn Ross passed away peacefully November 24, 2024 after a short illness, surrounded by her family.

She was a force in life – one of a kind – the very traits that Bob found so attractive. They were inseparable and totally dedicated to each other and their blended family. Eve loved her family – they were number one with her – and she stayed proud of the children and their children to the end.

While Bob was a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for over 50 years, Eve decided to join under her own steam, which she did in early 1994. She was also a member of the CYCA Associates Committee for a time and enjoyed it.

Eve and Bobby’s marriage was strong from the word go and their partnership extended to Bobby’s work and sailing. Wherever Bob went, Eve was there too. She drove Bob to all his assignments in New South Wales and drove the Australian Sailing RIB so he could concentrate on his job.

Over the years you would see Bob and Eve on Sydney Harbour, covering races from Bobby’s RIB. Bobby wrote and took photos – Eve next to him changing film rolls and batteries in cameras, holding cameras, changing lenses – whatever it took. Then back to the CYCA where Bob would conduct further interviews and Eve socialized. She loved people.

Bob traveled a lot for his work and Eve, or Eva, as he called her, was more than happy to go along. And as he admitted to me once, “I couldn’t have done what I did without her.” They went to America’s Cup, Clipper/Kenwood Cup, Admiral’s Cup, and more. They were loved by the international sailing media and often put them up at their home in Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills over the Sydney Hobart and Christmas period.

Eve was a social butterfly and organized many a SINS (Society of International Nautical Scribes – formed by the late Bob Fisher, Angie Antrobus, Rob Mundle, and others) party in Australia and all over the world. A great entertainer, Eve often did the catering.

One such party was in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1986, during the America’s Cup Challenger Series and it was huge, as every media person from around the world was in town.

Eve will be missed by all who knew her – vivacious, strong, kind and a staunch ally. She is survived by her and Bobby’s combined seven children and their children.

Source: CYCA