Facebook

Login

Support Sailonline

If you haven't already - join the SAILONLINE YACHT CLUB!

Please also consider making a donation - all amounts are greatly appreciated!

Board » In memoriam » In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)

Posted by
sol


Users avatar

Posts
297
Registered at
2008-08-14 11:08:14
2025-01-22 07:25:38 - In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Vale TYGER who passed away on the 11th of January at around 00:00UTC (11am local time) in his Melbourne apartment while on the phone to emergency services.

As a rower and rugby player Robert Neilson was a natural as a grinder on a keelboat where sailing was in his blood.

In retirement the professional marketer with a perfect radio voice served as Sail Online's (SOL) Marketing Director from 2012 to 2021. In that role he spoke daily (24/7) with Commodores, CEOs and sailing administrators at yacht clubs around the world including NYYC, RHKYC, RMYS, ORCV and many many more.

I met Rob around 2011 in the lead up to the 2013 Melbourne to Osaka double-handed yacht race. Together we set up a virtual version of the race via SOL. Some of the competitors used SOL to help them prepare for the race ahead. SOL has run the virtual race every year since and will be available again for friends and family during this year's 2025 M2O race.

I am sure many of you have personal memories that no one else knows, so please share them here. I will also be sure to pass those on to his family.

David Taylor (dtayls)


--- Last Edited by bonknhoot at 2025-01-23 06:33:42 ---
Posted by
Adriano (Batatabh)


Users avatar

Posts
18
Registered at
2018-07-09 12:24:27
2025-01-30 11:20:25 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
I'm so sorry about Rob's passing. Souls Like Rob, Bimmer and other angels that SOL had the pleaseure to have very close are rare. I can remember when I was invited to join SRC, as a non English speaker and a non real life sailor, Rob was always looking for help me with the new role. RIP Tyger!!!
Posted by
SCARABOCCHIO


Users avatar

Posts
97
Registered at
2012-02-05 16:24:16
2025-01-30 12:10:43 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Dear Rob,
we have never met in person but I can say that I've known you very well.
A deep friendship, born from many affinities and from the great shared passion for SOL.
I lost a friend on the other side of the world: I will miss you!
Fair Winds Rob.
Posted by
ITA210


Users avatar

Posts
7
Registered at
2011-11-07 11:40:59
2025-01-31 09:52:06 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
I met Tyger so many times in SOL that it feels really painful to write these lines. There are some SOLers who stands up from the fleet and Tyger was one of them. During races, ocean in particular, I always kept an eye on Tyger to see and learn about best routes. He had a fantastic touch and was always in the top positions.
I remember in a race I was lost in the middle of nowhere with the fleet far ahead. I spotted Tyger passing near by and I just had to follow his steps to get back in the fleet.
I heard something about health problems affecting Rob during the last Hobart2Sydney but it seemed everything was under control. Then during the Cape Horn to Olon Tyger went adrift and the terrible news came up.
Now I am blessed by having the honour to bring Tyger to the finish line together with SCARABOCCHIO, WRmirekd and Dingo.
Hey Rob, I hear you! You're laughting from up there seeing my poor performance in steering your boat. I'm sure you would do much better!

I only knew Tyger, never been so lucky to meet Rob in person.

Fair winds Rob/Tyger! I miss you
Posted by
Patrick70119


Users avatar

Posts
19
Registered at
2012-08-08 09:57:08
2025-01-31 16:13:12 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Robert was an incredible person and a pillar of the Sailonline community. When I joined Sailonline in 2012, he was always there to answer my questions, guiding me like a true mentor. His generosity with his time and knowledge was unmatched—whenever someone had a question, no matter the topic, Robert was always ready with insightful advice.

Behind the scenes, he played a huge role in making Sailonline what it is today, particularly with buddy-up races. He had such a gift for landing these races that it almost seemed like magic! His dedication and contributions will never be forgotten.

Though we never met in person, Robert's presence was so strong, his personality so warm and down-to-earth, that speaking with him in chat felt like you had met him in real life. I truly feel the loss of a dear friend.

Fair winds, Robert. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will always sail on. Rest peacefully until we meet again.

My heartfelt condolences to Robert’s loved ones.
"Sometimes it is the people no one can imagine anything of who do the things no one can imagine." ~ Alan Turing
Posted by
antares


Users avatar

Posts
13
Registered at
2018-10-11 06:32:05
2025-02-02 01:42:05 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Even after his passing, from 600+nm in arrears, he looks assured of a finish in top 40.

I am sure he could not have asked for a better memorial!
Posted by
dikkehenk


Users avatar

Posts
66
Registered at
2012-02-24 15:03:37
2025-02-03 05:31:10 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
miss you mate, always in for some fun, and very pleasant company to be around with.

Sure you will have fun up there & you finished before me, so please save a beer at the bar
Posted by
fastpassage39


Users avatar

Posts
28
Registered at
2009-10-29 05:45:46
2025-02-06 00:12:00 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
If I remember correctly, in about 2013, shortly after Rob joined SOL, he became an active participant and helped us design and choose races - especially with real active 'buddy-up' races around the world. It takes a lot of time and passion to contact and sell the idea of partnering SOL with different sailing clubs -- all for the benefit of making the experience much better for all of us.

One time when he heard I was headed to Australia, Rob researched and recommended a company in Airlie Beach to charter a boat for sailing in the Whitsundays. It worked out perfectly and I was truly grateful for his help.
Posted by
Mouthansar


Users avatar

Posts
123
Registered at
2009-12-25 22:49:08
2025-02-07 15:10:26 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Robert, you reached out when I received my diagnosis. Your words of comfort weighed in more when I realized you had one too.
We rounded the mark together, but you reached the finish first.
Fare well and fair winds forever.

--- Last Edited by Mouthansar at 2025-02-07 15:14:13 ---
Posted by
bonknhoot


Users avatar

Posts
106
Registered at
2013-08-06 21:35:15
2025-03-02 12:45:31 - Re: In Memoriam - Rob Neilson (Tyger)
Much has been written remembering Robert, but perhaps it needs to be said that not only was Robert a terrific marketeer, who really really knew 'the World and its wife' in offshore racing land, but a hugely practical manager, adept at 'throwing it over the fence' once the contacts were established and the plan was in place, as I experienced in 2020, when via go'ol Skype (soon to be discontinued) he walked me into creating a voiced presentation on 'How to SOL' for the website of the Newport Bermuda Race organization. I said you're lucky I have some Powerpoint experience. He said I knew you would have. That was Robert, thinking ahead.
Clipping along

Please login to post a reply.

Races

Next Race: 00d 00h 00m

Current Races:

Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race 2025


When the winter weather turns cool in southern Australia sailors head up to the warmer waters of The Great Barrier Reef and the big winter regattas at Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island. But the race isn’t ‘on’ this year; nevertheless, Sailonline is inviting all racers from RQYS and beyond to race the 343 nm for the fun, this time in our SOTO 40. It might be winter downunder but do put on your shorts and t-shirts before you sit down behind your devices to get into the spirit of it all!
Race #1921
INFOby brainaid.de
SOTO 40 Particulars
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC
Race starts: Jun 19th 01:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Pantaenius Shetland Race 2025 - Leg 1

Prepare your sails and brace for exhilaration—it's time once again to embark on the thrilling journey from Norway's stunning outer Korsfjorden to the ruggedly beautiful Shetland Isles! Welcome to the first electrifying leg of Sailonline's celebrated two-race Shetland Series. Spanning nearly 190 nautical miles, this year's challenge features the Salona 39, masterfully designed in collaboration with Maurizio Cossutti. Sailonline proudly partners with this iconic race, bringing sailors from around the globe together to test their strategic prowess and seamanship. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or setting out on your first virtual adventure with us, get ready for an unforgettable race filled with intense competition, breathtaking scenery, and the sheer joy of sailing. The North Sea awaits—let the adventure begin!
Race #1922
INFO by brainaid.de
Salona 39 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
SHE - SYC
Race starts: Jun 18th 11:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Haugesund to Reykjavik 2025


In late April 2016 Draken Harald Hårfagre, the worlds largest viking ship built in modern times, left her home port in Haugesund, Norway and sailed off for a challenging voyage across the North Atlantic Ocean.
The aim was to explore and relive one of the most mythological sea voyages – the first transatlantic crossing, and the Viking discovery of the New World, more than a thousand years ago. History tells us about the Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson, who discovered America over 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The expedition was all about exploring the world, just like the Vikings did.
Sailonline is racing the 1000 nm first leg, from Haugesund, Norway, to Reykjavik, Iceland in our Farr 400. Let us sail in the wake of history on this epic adventure!
Race #1913
INFO from brainaid.de
Farr 400 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
ARQ2 - ARCH - SUPSOL – SYC
Race starts: Jun 16th 17:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Africa by Sea - Swakopmund to Maputo 2025


Time again to continue our exploration of Africa by Sea, which now takes us around the tip of the continent at Cape Agulhas and up the coast of South Africa to Mozambique’s marvellous Maputo, where we should find good anchorage in the bend of the Rio Espirito Santo (Umbuluzi) once we’ve cleared the 60m high Maputo - Katembe suspension bridge. It’s 1900nm and we’ll be glad to be sailing our comfortable and sturdy Xp-55, as we will certainly experience more headwinds!
Race #1857
INFOby brainaid.de
Xp-55 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC - ABC
Race starts: Jun 11th 17:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Marquesas to Young Island 2025

The adventure continues as we launch this fourth leg of the RWW series, racing from Marquesas to Young Island in the Balleny Islands, a group of islands in the Southern Ocean only 62 nm from Antarctica. Get ready for a chilling new challenge as we set sail on the sixth leg of the 2025 Ocean Championship Series! A 4100nm journey of endurance, strategy, and pure sailing excitement. This leg will be pursued aboard the race machine RP66, pushing sailors to their limits. Do you have what it takes to conquer the Southern Ocean? Join us and put your skills to the ultimate test!
PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1909
INFO by brainaid.de
Raichel/Pugh 66 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: OCQ2 - RWW - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
June 21 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Jun 02nd 11:00 Registration Closed
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Go to race archive

SYC Ranking

  1. Sailonline Yacht Club Member WRmirekd
  2. Sailonline Yacht Club Member CriticalHippo
  3. Sailonline Yacht Club Member KaSToR
  4. Sailonline Yacht Club Member FreyjaUSA
  5. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Patrick70119
  6. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Kipper1258
  7. Sailonline Yacht Club Member rafa
  8. Sailonline Yacht Club Member rumskib
  9. Sailonline Yacht Club Member bonknhoot
  10. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Smo

View full list

Series

Mobile Client

SYC members have the benefit of access to our mobile/lightweight web client!

The mobile client