In Memory of Bert Rogers

In addition to the following, there are comments and photos of Bert in the early days on the Romance Facebook page.

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Tall Ships America Tribute to Bert Rogers
Sea History Tribute to Bert Rogers
Matt Zacharias Tribute to Bert Rogers

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A seaman’s toast to Bert.

Here's to tall ships,
Here's to small ships,
Here's to all the ships at sea.
But the best ships are friendships, Here's to you and me.
Mark J. Seski

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Becky and I are deeply saddened by Bert’s passing. Although we lost contact with him over the years, he was the best of shipmates and a close personal friend during the world cruise that began in the fall of ‘79. We will never forget him.
Tom and Becky Mignano

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Hello Tony,
I wanted to share with you the sad news of the untimely passing of Bert Rogers yesterday evening. Below is the notice shared by Tall Ships America to the Membership. To the Membership of Tall Ships America and to the Tall Ship Community at Large, It is with great sadness that I have to report to you that we have ost a great shipmate, colleague, and friend --- Bert Rogers --- Executive Director of Tall Ships America. He was enjoying a reunion with his family in Iowa when he passed away suddenly.

Bert dropped out of college to sail on Romance with Captain Arthur Kimberly, and never looked back. He was a champion of sail training and a true friend to many in our community. There will be a remembrance of Bert to be held in Gloucester Massachusetts in the coming weeks around Labor Day (details to be announced).

Bert had already announced his plans to transition out of the Executive Director position at Tall Ships America, and while the search for his successor will now be accelerated, the staff will continue with operations as before, and we will update you with interim provisions.

Please join me in expressing condolences to Bert’s family.
Sincerely,
Michael Rauworth
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Tall Ships America

Personally I had known Bert for 25 years, first as a Trainee and more recently as a Captain and Member of the Board of Tall Ships America. He will be deeply missed by many.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Kabak

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I met Bert only once - at our '06 Reunion near Detroit and I could tell right away he was bred for the life he led and would inspire others to excel at their calling too. He had that kind of aura.
Peter Damon
2nd Mate (under Dan Moreland) & Navigator (per Skipper) World Voyage I

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Sailing under Bert was a serious matter, and his infectious laugh made it fun despite the demands of taking new cadets off shore on an ocean passage. He will be missed, and not forgotten.
Cheers to Bert, and all his shipmates and family,
Angus

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