Bobbie C. Davis was one of six founding members of the Tampa Sailing Squadron.  Formed in 1933, the group met at various company board rooms until they were able to obtain space in the caretaker's cottage behind the Davis Island Tennis Courts.  

Davis was a pioneer of yacht racing on Tampa Bay in his early years he sailed the "Tampa Bay 16 Footer, a one design class boat with only one requirement; it had to be 16' long.  In 1930, Bobbie built the "Duchess", an over 30' sloop with bowsprit.  Later, in the early 50's he built "Chop Chop" a 28'wooden, double planked Herreshoff ketch, whose plans he obtained from Popular Mechanics magazine.  At the time of his death in 1994, he was in the process of building a 32' Tavana class sloop.  Bobbie raced in many offshore regattas, including the world renowned St. Petersburg to Havana race.

In 1941, with the onset of World War II, the Tampa Sailing Squadron, located at Marjory Park, ceased operations, and sublet its building and land to the US Coast Guard for the duration of the war.  Many members went to sea in the US Navy.  Bobbie C. Davis was commissioned in the Navy and served as skipper of a submarine chase in the Caribbean and later as a division leader of two submarine chases in the Indian Ocean.  After the war, Bobbie returned to Tampa and served as the first Executive Officer of the Naval Reserve Station located at Hooker's Point.

In civilian life, Bobbie assumed a major role in business and maritime affairs.  Besides his work as a mortgage broker and realtor, he served as Director of the Merchants Association of Great Tampa, was a member of the Propeller Club and a member of Greater Tampa's Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. He also served as Chairman on the Marine Facilities and Pleasure Craft Committee and on the Port Development Committee.

He served the sailing/racing community as Florida Ocean Racing Association Commodore for two years and Secretary/Treasurer for two years.  His service as Commodore or Flag Officer at Davis Island Yacht Club spanned 22 years of office.

Bobbie passed away on 23 December 1944.  His beloved wife Dale followed him in death on 20 May 1999.  Their ashes were committed to the sea on July 11, 1999 at 27 degrees, 53.52 minutes North and 082 degrees, 27.12 minutes West, due South of Davis Island Yacht Club and due East of their home in South Tampa.  They are survived by two sons, Jim (our current CBCD Commodore) and Marshall.

The spirit of Bobbie C. Davis lives in the Crewe of Bobbie C. Davis.  We are proud and honored to be named after a great man, one who contributed to making Tampa a wonderful place to call "home".