Peter Blake – Twelve years on, his legacy continues

Sir Peter James Blake, KBE (1 October 1948 – 5 December 2001) was a New Zealand yachtsman who won the 1989–90 Whitbread Round the World Race, held the Jules Verne Trophy from 1994 to 1997 by setting the fastest time around the world as co-skipper of ENZA New Zealand, and led his country to successive victories in the America’s Cup.

In honour of his services to yachting, Blake was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1995, and received an honorary doctorate in 2000 from Auckland University of Technology.

In 1997, Blake became the Cousteau Society’s head of expeditions, and skipper of the Antarctic Explorer, which he later purchased from the Society and renamed Seamaster. After leaving the Society he led expeditions to Antarctica and the Amazon aboard Seamaster during 2001. The same year Blake was named special envoy for the UN Environment Programme. He began filming documentaries for blakexpeditions, a company he founded.

Blake was shot by pirates while monitoring environment change on the Amazon River on 5 December 2001. He was 53 years old.

The Sir Peter Blake Trust was launched on 25 June 2004, and the Government confirmed a $3.8 million endowment – representing a dollar for every New Zealander – for the creation of an organisation which would honour Sir Peter’s leadership, love for the environment, and dedication to young people.

Through its programmes the Trust strives to honour Sir Peter’s legacy by inspiring his visionary leadership qualities in all New Zealanders and keeping his spirit and values alive for future generations.

Click here for additional information regarding the Trust.