Bay of Islands Coastal Classic death: Family remember Westlake Boys’ High School teacher as ‘strong, caring, fearless man’

The fleet of yachts at the start line of the PIC Coastal Classic race from Auckland to Russell, October 20, with Simon Smith (inset). Photo / Chris Weissenborn

The man who died during a major New Zealand yacht race just weeks from retiring from teaching at a top Auckland high school has been remembered by his family as a “strong, caring, fearless man”.

Westlake Boys’ High School history teacher and avid sailor Simon Smith died during the Coastal Classic yacht race on Friday.

Smith was fatally injured when the boom - a horizontal spar at the bottom of the mast - swung around and struck him during the race. Two other sailors on board the yacht were also injured in the late-night incident.

In a death notice, the family said they were “devastated with the loss of the centre of our family”.

Smith is survived by his wife Sue, who also worked at the school, children David, Chris and Rebecca, and other family members.

The notice said Smith was doing what he loved best, on the ocean in a yacht, sailing up the coast.

“A strong, caring, fearless man who will be missed by everyone he met,” the notice said.

“As sudden as his passing is, we are surrounded by love and support pouring in from all corners of the world.”

A former pupil of the teacher, Tom Sugden, described Smith as “a true teacher known for his eccentric habits of playing Pavorotti in class or telling stories of his travels to broaden our horizons”.

In a Facebook post, Sugden said he woke to the horrible news that a mentor of his had passed away.

“He was always interested in my career and adventures long after my school years, with a regular chat to see how I was going and a few beers in the past 10 years,” said Sugden.

A special assembly was held at Westlake Boys’ High School today in honour of Smith. He taught for nearly 35 years at the North Shore school.

School principal David Ferguson yesterday wrote to the school community, describing Smith as an “avid sailor” and a “Westlake legend”.

An email sent to parents and students said Smith was “hugely popular with the hundreds of boys who he taught, mentored, and coached”.

“He was also a much-loved colleague with a great sense of humour and an incredible knowledge of New Zealand history,” Ferguson wrote.

“Simon was a loyal Westlake First XV rugby supporter and was always present at Westlakers events where he was often surrounded by large groups of Westlakers as he told stories.

“Simon was a really proud Westlaker, who gave nearly 35 years of service to his old school. He told me only last week that he was going to finally retire in December this year.

“We are so sad to hear this news about Simon. Simon is a Westlake legend and the school won’t be the same without him.”

Simon Smith taught at Westlake Boys' High School for nearly 35 years. Photo / Janna Dixon

Principal Ferguson said since beginning at Westlake in 1989, Smith had acted as a history teacher, head of department, dean, and a hugely successful sailing coach.

He had been keen on sailing for a long time, competing in the first Whitbread Round The World Ocean Race.

Ferguson did not want to comment further.

The Coastal Classic, hosted by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC), is a 119-nautical-mile race from Auckland to Russell. The fatal accident occurred in the Bay of Islands.

“As many of you now know, last night [Friday] we were informed by Maritime Police of a serious incident aboard one of our entrant boats. Sadly, a person has died,” Adrian Percival, NZMYC Commodore, said in a statement on Saturday.

“Our thoughts and love are with the crew, and the family and friends of this person.

“We cannot tell you any more at the moment, only that words cannot express our sorrow. We are working to support those involved, and working with police, Coastguard and Yachting NZ to assist with their inquiries.”

Police say they are making inquiries into the accident on behalf of the coroner.

At the time of the accident, the Kokako Rescue boat from the Coastguard Bay of Islands service was nearby and rushed to help the crew.

“Upon reaching the yacht shortly after 0100 hours, one of our crew boarded with a medical kit, including a defibrillator,” said Ayden Armitage, a member of the Kokako’s volunteer Coastguard crew.

“Sadly, the individual passed away.”