Blake's spirit lives on in Kermadec adventure

Sir Peter Blake. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Sir Peter Blake's legacy continues 10 years after his murder, as young environmentalists prepare themselves for a voyage to the Kermadec Islands.

At a ceremony held last night at the spot on Auckland's waterfront where Sir Peter returned triumphant after successfully defending the 2000 America's Cup, his widow Pippa, Lady Blake, and the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, announced the expedition.

The Young Blake Expedition 11-day voyage next August to New Zealand's remote northern Kermadec Islands on HMNZS Canterbury will be an adventure for 30 New Zealand secondary school students.

Lady Blake said she hoped the voyage would be life-changing for the young people selected.

It was a fitting tribute to Sir Peter's love of adventure and the environment, she said.

Though a decade had passed since her husband's death, Lady Blake said it sometimes felt as if "that fateful day could have happened just days ago".

"Times were tough and there were many, many dark days.

"However, there was no option but to move on with life in a positive way - but to hold dear the wonderful memories of a life with Peter, that was filled with great adventures, great love and great fun."

Sir Jerry echoed her sentiments saying that next year's expedition to the Kermadec Islands was something Sir Peter would have been proud of.

"The Young Blake Expedition is a perfect example of this work, with its focus on two things that were very dear to Sir Peter - increasing understanding of our fragile marine environment and providing a chance for young people to reach their full potential," he said.

The expedition will be led by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in association with the Ministry for the Environment, the Royal New Zealand Navy, Department of Conservation, Pew Environment Group, Experiencing Marine Reserves and LEARNZ.