Robert G McNeil

Robert McNeil Obituary

Robert G. McNeil, PhD, 77, passed away peacefully on Islesboro in July of 2021. Born in Los Angeles, CA, son of Leone and Robert J McNeil, he graduated from Los Angeles High School before continuing on to UC Irvine where he graduated with doctoral degrees in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Physics. His passions for investment and science led him to a long career in biomedical venture capital. He co-founded Sanderling Ventures, where he led the growth and development of several companies that advanced important medical technologies.

Bob grew up sailing with his family, beginning with many memorable trips to Catalina, then later racing boats of all kinds. He developed a passion for racing, and raced boats big (Zephryus IV and V) and small (505s and Starboats). Notable sailing achievements include: winning the 505 North American Championships in the mid 60's, being a finalist in the 1984 Starboat Olympic Trials, sailing multiple transpacific and transatlantic races, and breaking records in the Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro and Montego Bay races. Later in life, his love of history led him to the world of classic boat restoration, where he found joy in collaborating with talented teams to bring beautiful yachts back to life.

Devoted to his family and loved ones, he enjoyed bringing everyone together though hosting elaborate holiday dinners, sharing in sailing adventures, and woodworking with his children, nieces, and nephews. This love of community led him to Islesboro, where he was able to focus on woodworking, family racing in classic wooden boats, and hosting dinners with friends.

He is survived by his three daughters, two siblings, many nieces and nephews (and beyond), and a community of friends and colleagues in California, Maine, and around the world.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations In Memory of Bob McNeil to Big Tree Boating (P.O. Box 273, Islesboro, ME 04848), or the Islesboro Island Trust (P.O. Box 182, Islesboro, ME 04848), both organizations he was fiercely passionate about throughout his later years.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Jul. 28 to Jul. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert McNeil

15 Entries

Paul Dimmick

July 23, 2025

another photo for 2025

Kathy Mansfield

July 22, 2025

Last summer I watched Joyant take to the waves of St Tropez, where I once sailed with Bob. I was welcomed on board and told them about Bob, his own expert woodworking abilities, his exacting and generous care of Joyant, how much she meant in his sailing life. The owner and crew were hugely interested and delighted to hear -- it gave me a good feeling about the new life of Joyant.

Steven Malette

October 26, 2021

It was with great sadness to learn of Bob's passing. I found him to be a gracious man with a passion for preserving historic yachts and sailing vessels. I met him during the restoration of the steam/sail yacht Cangarda. He welcomed my contributions to this vessel's historical connection to it's second owner, Senator G T Fulford of Brockville, Ontario, Canada. My Great Grandfather Julian Pont Malette was ship Captain of Cangarda 1905 -1921. Bob was greatly interested in such details and thoughtfully invited me to the re launching of Cangarda in California, where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting his mother. Years later he met with me in Brockville, when he brought this fine vessel back to the G T Fulford mansion. I was able to donate some original items kept in my family for years, that had been originally been used on board the Cangarda in 1905. I will always be grateful for his kindness and generosity to include me in such events. My sincere condolences to the McNeil family. May his fond memories stay with you always.

Kathy Mansfield

September 17, 2021

I just heard about Bob and am so sorry -- my deep condolences to you. I knew him through writing about and photographing classic boats -- Joyant figured in my Classic Sail calendar and I write articles in Classic Boat about both Joyant and Cangarda. I sailed on Joyant when Bob brought her to the Mediterranean and stayed on Cangarda for the Maine regattas one year, and visited in Isleboro (promising not to take photos or talk about it which was fine with me). I was astounded at his woodworking abilities. He really did save the boats he looked after -- and restored them so sympathetically. I hope he will be remembered for that. All best wishes to you, and I will remember Bob as so many of us will. Kathy Mansfield

Lucia Wyborny

August 25, 2021

I keep all of you in my heart.
Love

Rebecca Hopfinger, Antique Boat Museum

August 16, 2021

So very sorry for the family's loss. Bob's enthusiasm for historic vessels and the passion he dedicated to them was pure and genuine. From presentations at the NYYC model room to cruising Cangarda on the St. Lawrence River, his excitement for history was infectious, and he will be missed.

Matthew Schulte

August 10, 2021

Bob was such a unique individual and inspirational leader in so many diverse ways. He was kind to share his wit and wisdom, and to even offer the helm over to novices like me. He will be missed but remembered.