1500 flock to Blake exhibition

An exhibition dedicated to the life of Sir Peter Blake opened in Auckland yesterday, with more than 1500 people flocking to the free event.

The exhibition, Blue Water Black Magic - A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake, commemorates the life, work and achievements of the famous yachtsman and features America's Cup-winning boat NZL32 as a centrepiece.

It opened to the public at 1pm at the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum after a private ceremony attended by Prime Minister John Key, Auckland City Mayor John Banks, Sir Peter's widow Lady Pippa Blake and his children Sarah-Jane and James.

Exhibition spokesman Philip McGowan said, "It's all gone very well."

At mid-afternoon there had been more than 1500 people through the maritime museum, which he said was a "very high level of visitation".

The permanent $9.5m exhibition has been created in partnership with Te Papa with the support of the Blake Family, the New Zealand Government and Auckland City Council. The opening day was free but normally tickets will cost adults $16 and children (5-14) $8.

Sir Peter led New Zealand to win successive America's Cups. He was murdered by pirates in Brazil in 2001.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY