Born in New Zealand in 1948, he won most of the major honours in the sport in a career spanning more than 45 years. A man who loved the water, in his more than 600,000 ocean miles to date (including five voyages through the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn), he contested every Whitbread Round the World Race (five) from its inauguration in 1973/74 until the all-conquering Steinlager 1 victory in 1989/90.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1991, (making him Sir Peter Blake). An honour most recognisable here in New Zealand as it was awarded to Mount Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary. In 1997 Sir Blake was appointed captain of the prestigious Cousteau Society – and took on the challenge educate people about the world's ecosystems.
However our country will most fondly remember Sir Peter for being the head of two Americas Cup Challenges, first successfully seizing the Cup from America in 1995 – making us the second country in 145 years to take the trophy. During all but one race in that campaign Sir Peter wore the same pair of red socks. The only race they lost was when Blake was rested. Before the final team sponsors manufactured tens of thousands of pairs of Blake's lucky red socks which sold out in days in New Zealand. Team New Zealand successfully defended the cup in the year 2000.
Also in the Year 2000 Sir Blake established blakexpeditions. It was on one of these expeditions on the Seamaster voyage in Amazonia when he and his crew were attacked by pirates late on December 5th, 2001. Sir Peter Blake, 53, was shot dead.
He leaves his wife Lady Pippa Blake and two children, Sara-Jane and James. If New Zealanders need a modern day hero to inspire them to achieve all that they feel passionate about, they need look no further than Sir Peter Blake. Wear red socks in his honour.
Born in New Zealand in 1948, he won most of the major honours in the sport in a career spanning more than 45 years. A man who loved the water, in his more than 600,000 ocean miles to date (including five voyages through the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn), he contested every Whitbread Round the World Race (five) from its inauguration in 1973/74 until the all-conquering Steinlager 1 victory in 1989/90.