Rob Holden – “A truly amazing young man”

Rob Holden – South African Sailing’s Mossel Bay-based national training manager – caused something of a stir when he addressed a seminar at the International Sailing Federation’s recent annual world conference in Athens, Greece.

“I didn’t think it was such a big thing,” said Rob – an ISAF training scholarship graduate. “I just told my life story when I made a presentation to ISAF’s Connect to Sailing Seminar during the conference.”

According to a post on ISAF’s Conference blog (isafconference.wordpress.com), it was “the story of a six year old boy who dreamt of going sailing but could only sit and watch as wealthier children enjoyed the sport. He grew up watching from the shore but eventually, aged 25, decided enough was enough. Not one to give up, he bought himself a Hobie Cat. Having never sailed, he went to the nearest sailing club and was met with closed gates and a members only sign. Sailing was not for sale. Not one to give up, he launched from the nearest public slipway, sailed towards the restricted clubs rescue boats and caught their attention by capsizing.

“On to another club and more closed doors where no one was sailing. So what did he do about it?

“The young man set up his own sailing school to give the average kid on the street the opportunity to sail, so they could get the grin from sailing and enjoy their independence. The school started with some leaky old Optimist. They made many mistakes on the way, but still took 300 youngsters sailing.

“Fast forward a bit and how to get to the next level with a bucket load of passion but without the wider training and coaching skills. Working with the South African Sailing Association, the man became ISAF’s first Training Scholarship graduate where he gained the skills to turn his knowledge and passion in to excellent training.

“The six year old boy was Rob Holden and he still watched other children sailing, but also those he is giving the joy of sailing too.

“And today I am sure he has passed on his enthusiasm and drive to many more who will go forwards to work with ISAF and get more people afloat.”

Mike McCarthy, President of the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club (MBYBC) – where Mr. Holden is now based – recently said that, “Rob has been a great asset to our club, and we are very proud to have him as a member.

“He has a passion for sailing development – not only in Mossel Bay, but in the whole of South Africa. He has also inspired others with his enthusiasm for sailing, and has given up of his own time and money to reach his dream.”

MBYBC Commodore, Mike Keet, said, “We have so much to be thankful for, especially in Mossel Bay, where the club has been blessed with the most stunning setting.

“There are only two north-facing Yacht Clubs in the world – and we are the proud owners of one of them; Mossel Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world – and to top this, it has one of the best climates in the world.

“But above all, we have some utterly incredible members, and as a committee we would like to give homage to Rob Holden – a truly amazing young man.”

More information
•    Mossel Bay Yacht & Boat Club: www.mbybc.co.za
•    Sail training in Mossel Bay: Rob or Elfie Holden, telephone 083 320 6362
•    Mossel Bay www.visitmosselbay.co.za

ENDS