Captain Robert Cates

Robert Cates has lived in Benicia since he was 10 and grew up fishing the local area. He loves fishing and boating, including sailing and has owned power and sail boats since he was 16.

In 1972 Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was a boiler tech. until 1975.

1975 to 1977  he attended Solano JC where got his degree in Fire Safety.

1977 to 1982 he worked for Sanders Towboats.

1982 to present Robert has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs,
in Martinez California, as a journeyman electrician. 

November 2007 Robert attended the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA.

Jan 2008 he received his 100 ton.

April 2008 he received his Coast Guard license. 

Robert or Bob as his friends call him, also loves to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

He also loves to sail whether it’s Hobie cat, a monohull, or a 50foot catamaran.

Upon getting his Diplomas he and 4 friends rented a 50 foot catamaran in Belize and sailed from Palencia at the southern end to Ambergris Cay at the northern end while enjoying scuba diving, snorkeling swimming and fishing along the way. They acted as their own captains and crew.