Capt. Rob Fregeolle Dies in Motorcycle Accident

It is with sadness that we pass along this message received from Capt. Brad Baker of M/Y Rena today:  

“Capt. Rob Fregeolle, 32, tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Ft. Lauderdale over Memorial Day weekend. Family, friends, and past and present crew of M/Y Rena gathered together last Thursday, May 30, at Freddie’s Anchor Sports Grill to celebrate his life.

Rob graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in the Boston area and, in 2011, joined the crew of Rena as a deckhand. Capt. Ken Bracewell fondly nicknamed him Swabby — a name that stuck with him throughout the duration of his tenure on board. Swabby quickly worked his way through the ranks on board Rena and was promoted to first mate. He traveled around the world with Rena and became an integral part of the Rena family. Jason and Rena Pilalas, owners of Rena, and their family and friends all knew Rob well and looked forward to sharing their experiences whilst on board with an always-smiling, always-laughing Rob. His final season took him to New England and included six weeks in Bermuda for the America’s Cup. After six years of service and many trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and New England, he parted ways with his first yacht and became captain of M/Y Firefly with Fleet Miami and M/Y Incentive.  

Rob’s love of cars and motorcycles was ever apparent, and he spent his free time riding. All who knew him or had the pleasure of spending time with him are mourning the tragic loss of this genuine and friendly guy. Rob lived every day to its full potential. He had an infectious personality that made it difficult not to like him. He was taken from this world far too early, and in the prime of his life.

Rob Fregeolle’s funeral and memorial service was held on Monday, June 4, 2019, in his hometown of York, Maine, where his family still reside. He will be sadly missed, and our sincerest condolences are with his family.”

Capt. Baker was Fregeolle’s captain on board M/Y Rena for three years. The team at Dockwalk also extends our sympathies to Fregeolle’s family and friends.

Photos: Courtesy of Brad Baker