Kiwi yachties set for last goodbye to their hero

A memorial service for Sir Peter Blake is likely to be held in Auckland next weekend and will involve thousands of yachts and launches.

Details are still being completed but the Weekend Herald understands that a funeral-like procession of thousands of boats around the Waitemata Harbour, passing Devonport and Bayswater where Sir Peter learned to sail, will be part of the ceremony.

Boaties everywhere, including 1000 youngsters in P-class yachts, are expected to crowd the Viaduct Harbour, where a service will pay tribute to the international yachting hero.

The Prime Minister's office could not confirm yesterday what the Government's role in a memorial service would be.

But a spokesman said Helen Clark was to speak to Sir Peter's widow, Lady Pippa Blake, about the family's wishes during her visit to Britain for his funeral.

It is understood Lady Pippa and the couple's children, Sarah-Jane and James, may fly to New Zealand for the service and that the Blake family boat, Ladybird, will lead the procession.

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Peter Blake, 1948-2001

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