Make the Auld Mug Sir Peter's, Herald readers say

Suggestions are still pouring in from Herald readers on fitting memorials to honour Sir Peter Blake. By JOSIE CLARKE.

The America's Cup event should be renamed in honour of Sir Peter Blake, says one of the latest suggestions for a memorial.

The Herald has received more than 500 such suggestions after calling for ways to honour the legacy of Sir Peter, killed by pirates on the Amazon River last week.

The idea of renaming the Viaduct Basin and erecting a statue remain the overwhelming choice.

But Roy Swain, of Katikati, suggests renaming the Cup after the man who brought it home from San Diego in 1995.

Mr Swain said the America's Cup was given its name after the US schooner America took it away from the English.

"Sir Peter Blake 'took it away' from the Americans twice. Rename the series the Sir Peter Blake Cup."

Other suggestions:

"I would think that the most appropriate and lasting memorial to Sir Peter Blake would be to establish a mini America's Cup-style yacht race, always to be sailed in the outer Auckland Harbour. This race to be contested in the same style as the present America's Cup boats and a suitable trophy known as the Sir Peter Blake Cup be made and presented to the winning boat and crew.

Such a contest would be very suitable to the memory of Sir Peter, as Auckland, and particularly the North Shore, is where he lived and learned his early sailing skills." - David Greville, Browns Bay.

"The most memorable part of Peter's Whitbread win was the southern run down the Hauraki Gulf during the Sydney to Auckland leg. I therefore suggest we rename that part Blake's Passage." - Don Payne, Glen Eden.

A STATUE

"A huge statue of him at the helm should be built on Bean Rock in similar proportions to the Statue of Liberty. Bean Rock offers a prominent, universal position to honour the qualities of this great man." - Rilma Denly, Devonport.

There should be a statue in a suitable place at the Viaduct with arms outstretched to welcome all who come there." - Nola Wedding, Mangere Bridge.

"I suggest a bronze statue be erected of Sir Peter on Mt Victoria so that it can serve as an inspiration to the sailors that ply our waters." - M.F.P. Frankovich, Westmere.

"I would like to see a memorial of Sir Peter Blake and the boat he sailed on with a picture of him and scale model of Seamaster in the Team New Zealand base." - Mr Coe, Pakuranga.

RENAMING THE VIADUCT

"I am strongly against statues, they do nowt for no one. Sir Peter was the opposite. I do suggest the Peter Blake Viaduct for that greatest of men. Along with the Viaduct renamed, a scholarship for environmental works to save the lives of our children and the future born would be Peter's wish." - Patricia Robertson, Orewa.

"Sir Peter Blake was without doubt New Zealand's greatest hero, and I feel that the Viaduct Basin should definitely be the Sir Peter Blake Harbour, and a large bronze statue of him erected at the entrance near the Maritime Museum. That basin would not be in existence but for his great inspiration and leadership." - Shirley Woodhead, Orakei.

"Regardless of other measures ultimately taken, surely the Viaduct area must be named Blake's Haven." - B. Foley, Napier.

"Renaming the Viaduct Harbour Peter Blake Harbour would be a splendid idea, as would creating a trust fund with proceeds going to youth yachting and further study for the caring of the environment." - Jean Fraser, Warkworth.

"Blake's Harbour sounds good. I wonder if Mayor John Banks would reconsider on the controversial One Tree Hill. An obelisk which can be seen for miles as the tree was, or a bronze ship with tall mast. Many people from all over New Zealand would be delighted to contribute, I am sure. He was an inspiring man and will remain so." - C. Broughton, Whitianga.

"Rename the Viaduct Basin Lake Blake and erect a statue of him in the vicinity." - J. Beck, Papatoetoe.

A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

I propose that to honour Sir Peter's achievements and Kiwi spirit, a national holiday be instituted called Kia Kaha or Champions Day on the first Friday of each December from next year. - Dominic Yates, West Tamaki Rd.

A TRUST FUND

"I strongly support the setting up of a Super Trust with the proceeds going to environmental causes. Sir Peter's last communication on his website sums up his great interest in, and work for, the environment." - David Close, Morrinsville.

"As well as naming part of the harbour for Sir Peter Blake, I think something should be done about encouraging a scholarship for training young ones in conservation, as this was his main interest at the time he lost his life." - M. van Kerkhoff, Hawera.

A SAILING SCHOOL

"A sailing school in or around the Viaduct Basin promoting and progressing the life and aims of Sir Peter Blake." - Donal McLean, assistant principal, Richmond Rd Primary.

A BANK NOTE

"I like the suggestion of Peter's Place and his portrait on a $20 note." - Susan Low, Swanson.

Full coverage:

Peter Blake, 1948-2001

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