Blake’s memory lives on
Today, it is 20 years since New Zealand sailor and environmentalist Sir Peter Blake was shot and killed by pirates in South America.
While he was at the mouth of the Amazon Delta, waiting for Customs clearance after a trip up the Amazon River, armed robbers boarded Sir Peter’s vessel the Seamaster and he was killed in the affray.
For his family and friends, these anniversaries must be hard, and our thoughts are with them. As Prime Minister-of-the-day Helen Clark said: “Peter Blake was a living legend. As an outstanding sailor, he had brought great honour and fame to New Zealand. His death was unthinkable.”
Sir Peter conquered the world as a sailor, winning the 1989-1990 Whitbread Round the World Race and holding the Jules Verne Trophy from 1994 to 1997 by setting the around the world sailing record as co-skipper of ENZA New Zealand.
He also led New Zealand to successive victories in the America’s Cup. Famously, when money was needed, New Zealanders were invited to buy copies of his lucky red socks as a fundraiser.
In the words of former Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, Sir Peter “exemplified the qualities of an outstanding leader”. He spoke of turning vision into reality and then walked that talk for conservation.
Sir Peter remains in the legacies since raised in his name — including efforts to identify and develop the “next” Sir Peter Blake.
The Sir Peter Blake Trust was established in 2003 “to help New Zealanders make a positive difference for the planet through activities that encourage environmental awareness and action, and leadership development.”
The trust has a range of initiatives including the Blake Medal, awarded each year to an outstanding New Zealand leader, and the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards, presented annually to six people recognised as younger leaders of considerable potential.
He continues to bring great honour to New Zealand.
If it’s not too warm today, put on your lucky red socks and toast a New Zealander who lived each day trying to make the world better. Better yet, do something good for the environment. As Sir Peter said: “Why bother? It’s too important not to, for all of us.”