Vale Bob Oatley aged 87
The famous sailor, yachtsman, philanthropist and owner of Hamilton Island has passed awayBob Oatley — one of Australia’s best-known sailors, yacht owners and businessmen — has died today (January 10, 2016) after reportedly being unwell for several months leading up to the 2015 Sydney Hobart.
Mr Oatley is the name behind the yacht Wild Oats and all its incarnations up to Wild Oats XI, which is the record-holding eight times Sydney-Hobart winner.
A Pittwater identity and member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, among others, Mr Oatley is credited with making Wild Oats a household name in Australia.
He created the highly successful Rosemount Wines company, which was worth $1.4 billion at its peak when sold to Southcorp, and more recently Robert Oatley Vineyards that produces the Wild Oats' label.
Mr Oatley was named as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2014 Australia Day honours for his distinguished service to the Australian wine and tourism industries, to the sport of yacht racing, and to the community as a supporter of medical research and visual arts organisations.
Mr Oatley, a descendant of convict James Oatley who became Australia's first clockmaker, was ranked by Forbes Magazine as Australia's 34th richest person in 2015, with a net worth of $910 million.
Mr Oatley is survived by his wife Valerie Oatley and three children Sandy Oatley, Ian Oatley and Ros Oatley. The yacht-racing community, sailing industry, and wine-making business have lost a true gentleman and inspiration.
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