Eight Bells: Robert Stewart

Capt. Robert (Bob) N. Stewart passed away suddenly on April 2, 2023 in Maine while working aboard his yacht, Adrianee. He was a spry and zesty 91years old with a love for the sea.

Known to all as Bob, he was born in Boston in 1932. A Master Mariner, he was the definition of a renaissance man. A quick wit, always ready with a snarky joke, and his beloved dessert order. His experiences and compassion touched everyone who met him.

His seamanship and life skills prompted many to rely on him when things got rough on land or offshore. Bob was a veteran of countless Bermuda, Halifax, and international offshore races as well as numerous deliveries.

Bob served in the US Air Force in the 1950s, and after being discharged in France, taught mathematics in both private Swiss and US Boarding Schools for a number of years. His love of the sea eventually led him to work for Moran Towing in 1971.

In time, Bob became a Tugboat Captain for Moran serving the US coast, South America, and Africa. He became a Harbor Pilot in New York Harbor and eventually was Division VP and General Manager for Moran in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

As Bob retired, his focus shifted to his K. Aage Nielsen designed yacht, Adrianee, a beautiful 43-foot custom wooden sloop built in Italy in 1962. In between offshore racing, Bob cruised Maine for years with friends.

Bob was a member of The Corinthians, Cruising Club of America, Portsmouth Yacht Club, and New York Yacht Club. He also served as President for the Boston Chapter of The Propeller Club.

He will always be remembered as a guy’s guy, gentleman, and friend. He is survived by his wife Davia Wood Stewart and his two children, Anna and Scott. Services will be private where Bob’s ashes will be returned to the sea. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to IYRS: https://www.iyrs.edu/give/make-a-gift