Sailing lost one of it's most admired contributors. Hobie Alter, creator of the ubiquitous Hobie cat, passed away leaving behind millions of sailors who's lives were enriched by their first and often many more sails on a Hobie plus the company that continues making affordable, fun sailing available to all. The original and all subsequent Hobies have been colorful, quick and simply the expression of joy on the water.
We've collected some memories of Hobie Alter from the Hobie company and those who knew him best. We've also posted some pics on our Pinterest page and would post any others you'd like to send. Please send to john@summersailstice.com.
At the bottom we've added some links to the many stories appearing in the press around the world. Wow! All this coverage is a tribute to Hobie Alter and what he did for sailing and sailors. And it continues - for many years Hobie has contributed one of Summer Sailstice's best prizes, a Hobie kayak!
From Hobie / Scuttlebutt Sailing:
Hobart “Hobie” Alter, who started out shaping surfboards, and ended up shaping a culture, passed away peacefully at his Palm Desert home on March 29 surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 31, 1933 in Ontario, California, he was 80 at the time of his passing.
The recently published biography “Hobie: Master of Water, Wind and Waves” reveals the story of this true Renaissance man. The son of a second-generation orange farmer, Hobie flourished spending time at his family’s Laguna Beach summer home. And it was here in the family’s garage back in 1950 where he began his somewhat accidental career by combining his two loves, wood shop and water, crafting handmade 9 foot balsawood surfboards for his friends. Read On.
Sail-World published a terrific personal tribute from Phil Berman of the The Multihull Company:
'I first met Hobie at the age of 13, in Newport Beach, California, where he was showing off his latest invention, the Hobie Cat 14 at a local beach club. It was 1969 and Hobie had just created his corky little catamaran. As soon as Hobie cast away from the dock and started 'flying a hull' I was enthralled. Just a few days later I met one his friends, R. Paul Allen, who had produced the surfing classic, Endless Summer. Paul had a home on my paper delivery route in Newport and sure enough he had a Hobie 14 in his driveway. It became pretty clear that Paul never intended to use the boat, so he sold her to me at a super price with Hobie's blessing. Soon enough all I could do was live, breath and dream Hobie Cat.' Read On.
Fun keeps comeing out the door from Hobie:
The Hobie Islands are multiplying around the world.
Scuttlebutt Sailing gives tribute to the 'Hobie Way of Life'.
Global Tribute: Not many sailors get this much coverage from the general media. Hobie Alter is one who deserves it! In fact, if we think about it more it's hard to think of any other person who would get as much global news coverage just for their sailing noteriety. Many others, Ted Turner, Larry Ellison, etc would get lots of coverage but sailing would be a small piece of it - for Hobie it was all sailing and surfing.
There are lots of great photos and memories in all this coverage.
Hobie Surfboard History Boardroom on YouTube
Indian Express - New Dehli India
Time Magazine:
