Robin Gamble Walters, BSc, MICE, FIHE
Robin Walters, a leading figure in the marine industry, sadly passed away on 21 August 2018, aged 86.
Robin was recognised as one of the world’s forefathers of yacht harbours. He worked in the marine industry for over fifty years, pioneering the use of floating, concrete pontoons which ultimately led to the creation of leisure marinas. He gained huge respect as an innovative advisor to marina projects around the globe.
In the 1960’s he founded, and ran his beloved and successful Walcon Marine. He was well known for his approachable, hands on attitude and attracted loyal employees who worked alongside him for many years. In addition to his commercial interests he worked extensively with the Yacht Harbour Association and one of his particular achievements was developing its Code of Practice for the design and development of marinas.
Robin was very proud of his pivotal role in the development of UK Boat Shows, advising on and annually installing the temporary marina for Southampton Boat Show, which has grown from just 6 boats to over 350. He went on to advise the organisers of boat shows around the world.
Robin’s personality and drive took Walcon to all leisure boating nations including Europe, America, Australia, UAE, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. Wherever he was in the world his joke and fable telling became legendary and he was often the life and soul of the party.
He was a keen, and very competitive sailor, owning a series of racing yachts and picking up trophies in some of the toughest races, including the Three Peaks and Round the Island race. He was still campaigning his Folkboat, Cidron in his 80’s. His involvement with the Folkboat Association stretched back many years, starting a race week and developing the class in the UK.
Robin was a true gentleman with a ready willingness to share his time and knowledge with his many marina colleagues, associates and friends. He leaves a much loved family, his wife Pauline, son James and his wife Penny, daughter Vicki, her husband Sam and Robin’s grandchildren Emily, Nicholas, Alice, Eliza and Billy.
