Sir Peter Blake - Yenra

Sir Peter Blake devoted his life to the environment

Sir Peter Blake

"Our objective is to help protect life in, on and around the waters of the world" - blakexpeditions

"Sir Peter was a very special person to many people around the world, highly regarded because of the man he was, because of everything he had achieved and because of everything he represented," said "blakexpeditions" spokesman Alan Sefton.

"He had left behind his many major achievements in sport to dedicate himself to creating greater awareness of the need to take better care of the world in which we live.

"And, typical of the man, he was giving it his heart and soul along with all those other virtues with which he had become synonymous -- total passion, charisma, commitment, leadership and integrity.

Sir Peter Blake

Profession: Yachtsman

Born: October 1, 1948

Nationality: New Zealander

Marital status: Married with 2 children

Awards: - New Zealand Sportsman of the Year - 1995 British Yachtsman of the Year - 1995 K.B.E. Knighthood for services to yachting and New Zealand (Knight Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)

Career highlights

2000- present Founder of "blakexpeditions" and skipper of the "blakexpeditions" vessel Seamaster. As part of "blakexpeditions" program of activities, Sir Peter will be navigating Seamaster through the world's most important water environments including the Antarctic, the Arctic and the Amazon river. Under the motto "No water, no life", "blakexpeditions" aims to stress the need to protect the waters of the world using innovative and entertaining means.

2000 Head of the Team New Zealand America's Cup syndicate which successfully defended its title in Auckland.

In March, he appeared on OMEGA's Planet Ocean day at the Watch, Clock and Jewellery Show in Basel, Switzerland where he presented the coveted "Auld Mug" trophy of the America's Cup -- one of the rare occasions the cup has been allowed to leave the winners' country.

1995 Team leader of America's Cup winner Black Magic

1994 Successful Jules Verne Record attempt on Enza New Zealand: non-stop around the world in 74 days, 22 hours, 17 minutes, 22 seconds

1971-93 Participations and victories as team leader and/or skipper in Sydney-Hobart Race, Admiral's Cup and Whitbread Round the World Race