Bill Robinson

Who was Bill Robinson?

Bill Robinson was an American sailor, author and editor well known in the national and international sailing communities for his 27 nautical books, speaking engagements, and contributions to nautical publications.

Born William Wheeler Robinson in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bill attended Princeton University from 1935 to 1939, graduating with a degree in English. He received a commission in the United States Naval Reserve in 1941 and served as an officer until 1945. He commanded a 110 foot wooden Navy subchaser - hull number SC 743 - in the Pacific theater during World War II - serving honorably in troop and ship convoys and in the invasions of Arawe, New Britain and Hollandia. LTjg Robinson was awarded the Bronze Star for his command's performance under air attack. He was a sportswriter at the Newark Evening News and then the Newark Star Ledger following his return to civilian life. He developed a nationally syndicated boating column while at the Star Ledger.

Bill was an associate editor of Yachting magazine from 1957 to 1967 and executive editor from 1967 to 1978. He served as an editor-at-large for Yachting from 1978 to 1986, when the magazine was sold. He then served as an editor-at-large for the competing Cruising World magazine from 1987 to 1996.