Bob Holmes ‘Venture’ 1956-57

Bob Holmes – Australian sailing legend 1939-2021

Bob Holmes won the 1956-57 VJ Commonwealth Junior Championship aged 17 sailing his VJ ‘Venture’.

He was a member of the Middle Harbour Sailing Club in Sydney when sailing VJs, and then went on to sail 16ft skiffs at Manly.

In 1965 Bob moved to the 18ft skiff class and immediately achieved great success winning the JJ Giltinan World Championship in his first season. Bob became a legend of the 18ft skiff class skippering ‘Travelodge’ to victory winning 5 Australian Championships and 5 JJ Giltinan World Championships in 1965, 1966, 1969, 1971 and 1973.

Bob’s grand daughter Samantha Nugent has kindly provided photos below of Bob and his VJ ‘Venture’, pictured sailing at Middle Harbour Sailing Club.

Well done Bob!!

Bob Holmes at Middle Harbour VJ Presentation

Bob Holmes Venture 1956-57

Bob Holmes Venture 1956-57 #2

Bob Holmes Venture at left

Venture at right of photo

Bob Holmes 18ft Skiff Travelodge photos:

Hugh Treharne, Bob Holmes and Dave Porter: 3 giants of the 18ft skiffs and all JJ Giltinan World Champions

Travelodge viewed from the masthead

Travelodge crew wearing Balmain Tigers jerseys

1965 World Champions Travelodge from left Bob Holmes, Bob Sheridan, Hugh Cooke, Bob Hagley

Bear Barnett and Bob Holmes

Final touch on a new 18 ft boat Travelodge, in backyard of Mona Vale house today. Builder Barry Norbis and skipper Bob Holmes in picture. Barry in white and Bob in darker shirt. September 25, 1972. (Photo by Antonin Cermak/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)