Blake 'deserves an inspired project'

By AINSLEY THOMSON

From changing the name of North Head to establishing environmental funds - ideas to find a fitting memorial for Sir Peter Blake have been pouring in.

After the death of Sir Peter, the Weekend Herald asked for views on the most appropriate way to mark the life of our best-known sailor.

The response has been rapid and substantial: by yesterday, the Herald had received 120 e-mails and 20 faxes.

The most popular ideas are to rename the Viaduct Basin and erect a statue of Sir Peter.

Gabrielle Thompson, from Taupo, believes both ideas would be fitting.

"Make the statue larger than life and place it out in the water so it stands there as an icon of the man who gave us so much to be proud of.

"Then as the boats come and go he will be there to greet and farewell his fellow sailors."

Ian Grant, from Mt Albert, said the Viaduct Basin should be renamed Blake Basin or Blake Harbour. "Put his name on our map - as he helped put our city and our country on the world map."

Alasdair Scott from Torbay agreed that it would be fitting to rename the Viaduct Basin, but had a different name than most in mind.

"Rename the Viaduct Basin Pee Bee Harbour. It was, after all, the name of Sir Peter's first P-Class yacht, beginning for him a lifetime of aquatic adventures and achievement."

Another popular idea was to raise funds to continue Sir Peter's environmental work or to help sailors of the future.

Fellow sailor Grant Dalton has already proposed a fund to foster talented young sailors.

Colin Clarke believes there is an opportunity for New Zealand to take up Sir Peter's conservation message. "To take on the role as 'Planet Policeman' on behalf not only of Sir Peter Blake but all living creatures as well.

"Blake thought big. I fear that any memorial to him other than a truly inspired project will fall short of doing his cause justice."

Andy Sanders' suggestion was a fund to clean up New Zealand waterways. "To be able to drink from and bathe safely in our waterways is surely our birthright, and would be a tremendous memorial to the man and his passions, to be passed on for generations to come."

Jan Poole and Doug Johansen from Whangamata thought New Zealand should make a statement to the world by launching a national environmental commitment in Sir Peter's name.

"Maybe our polluted waterways would be the subject."

Another popular idea was to name a significant monument or landmark after Sir Peter.

Ralph Cossey would like to see the Auckland Harbour Bridge renamed Sir Peter Blake Bridge.

"As the harbour bridge watches over our harbour and its many ships, large and small, and the sailors and boaties who sail in them, the bridge could be a fitting tribute to this exceptional New Zealander."

Murray Reid from Howick would like to see North Head renamed Sir Peter Blake Head.

"Common usage would then abbreviate this to Blake's Head. Blake's Head stands tall and imposing and marks the entrance to Auckland Harbour. Blake's Head has strong visibility from almost all of Auckland."

John Hepburn from Mt Maunganui suggests the Round the World yacht race be renamed the Peter Blake Round the World Challenge.

"This would be fitting as he was so instrumental in its becoming such a popular event."

Red socks also featured prominently in memorial ideas.

Ray Baillie from Pt Chevalier backed the idea of a national red sock day. "The one thing that really captured the imagination of all New Zealanders was Peter's lucky red socks."

In following days, the Herald will print readers' opinions on how to salute Sir Peter and his work.

* How should we honour Sir Peter Blake?

E-mail us with your suggestions.

Full coverage:

Peter Blake, 1948-2001

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