29/03/2024
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robin O’Brien a longtime AYCA member, colleague and friend. With permission from Fraser Yachts, I am sharing their long time professional yacht charter broker history. We will miss you!
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long-standing and greatly respected Fraser Charter Broker Robin O’Brien.
Having been in the yacht industry for over 30 years, Robin was an industry leader, well-loved and well-respected by everyone who encountered her from her clients, colleagues and all industry contacts.
Robin was an incredible person who was so passionate about what she did and desired to help other people discover their dreams. She once stated: “I love helping people plan their dream vacation. It is so rewarding to open up the world of cruising to someone new to the experience." She applied this mentality every day and had numerous repeat clients over and over again. This was a true testament to her dedication and passion.
Fraser COO Mike Busacca commented: “Robin was a magnificent person. She is one of those people who you know was just truly great. She would do anything for anyone and looked out for everyone else before herself. She was an incredible person to work with and will be truly missed by everyone who’s lives she touched.”
Our hearts go out to her family and friends at this time.
ABOUT ROBIN O’BRIEN:
After graduating from Temple University, wanderlust struck and Robin headed south. Leaving Pennsylvania behind, she stopped in Ft. Lauderdale for what was to be one year of working on board yachts. Ten years and thousands of sea miles later, she called Ft. Lauderdale home. Her yachting career includes a myriad of experience on both sail and motor yachts.
From 1991-94, Robin was one of very few female First Officers on board large charter yachts in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Her most exciting yachting experience was sailing from New Zealand to the Caribbean stopping in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Seychelles along the way.
Robin was also a nature and animal lover. She was selfless and often volunteered for a local animal rescue program.
SOME TRIBUTES FROM ROBIN’S FRASER FAMILY:
“Robin was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. The best words I could choose to describe her are GENTLE and KIND. Robin was not only a valued coworker she was a close friend. I looked forward to being in the office with her each day as we bounced ideas and frustrations off each other as sounding boards. We worked and traveled together for 20 years. She was a great travel companion and I don’t believe we ever had a disagreement in all that time.
She loved her family and that included her furry family too, who she treated as precious children. There will be a hole in all our hearts forever that will never be filled but I pray that she’s now with her love and soulmate, Pat. I envision them happily greeting each other on the other side. Robin will forever be remembered in our industry as one of the best of us, as both an experienced broker and an amazing human.”
- Debra Blackburn, Charter Broker
"A heartbreaking loss for all who knew her. I’ve known Robin professionally for more than 20 years since her days at the Sacks Group, and she became a dear friend to me after I joined Fraser in 2017. She warmly welcomed me to the Fraser family with her big heart and gentle spirit. She was a consummate professional and poured herself into every charter deal to be sure her clients were expertly attended to. She was such a beautiful and special lady… always thinking of others before herself, kind and compassionate beyond words. She will be sorely missed…she was truly the best of us.
- Melanie Burke, Charter Broker
“Robin, you were a very special, gentle soul, someone I greatly appreciated throughout our long relationship at Fraser. You will be dearly missed as a colleague but mostly as a friend. Rest in Peace my dear Robin, together with your soulmate.”
- Tove Johnson, Charter Broker
"A few lines are not enough for such a lovely person as Robin. Despite my recent introduction to the Fraser family, I had the privilege of knowing Robin for almost 15 years.
Her passing has left a profound void in our yachting community. Robin's exceptional kindness, ethics, and unwavering dedication were truly remarkable. We were all deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of her husband, Pat, and witnessed her profound devastation. At least we hope they are together now, finding solace in each other's company.
Robin's compassionate nature and beautiful soul made a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be deeply missed by the entire Fraser family and the industry as a whole."
- Popy Kaia, Charter Director Greece
