Sir Peter Blake's boat, Tara arrives in the Viaduct with Steinlager II.
It was a bittersweet return as Sir Peter Blake's former schooner sailed into Auckland early this afternoon.
Among the 100 hardy souls who braved strong northerlies and showers to welcome the Tara was Sir Peter's daughter, Sarah-Jane.
Her husband, Alistair Moore, sailed with Sir Peter on the Tara before the yachting legend was murdered by pirates on the Tara, then named the Seamaster, in 2001. Moore skippered the Sir Peter's former round the world racing yacht Steinlager 2 as it welcomed the Tara ashore today.
The Tara was welcomed into Auckland by a small flotilla that included the Spirit of Adventure and the Steinlager 2. Photo / Nick Reed
Sarah-Jane did not want to be interviewed, but Moore described the Tara's return to New Zealand as emotional and bittersweet for both.
"SJ hasn't seen the boat since dad passed. It's opened a lot of wounds and brought home how much she misses him. It's a massive hole in her life, in everybody's life that had him as a friend or a family member. It's a massive hole that'll never be filled."
Before Sir Peter's death, the sailor and his crew had taken the Seamaster on a five-month mission to visit ecologically sensitive parts of the planet.
Sir Peter Blake with yacht Seamaster in the background in Antarctica - now the research schooner Tara. Supplied photo / Ivor Wilkin
That focus has continued and it will be in New Zealand as part of a global expedition to better understand the state of our oceans.
Tara has spent the past 15 years leading 11 expeditions around climate change and ocean ecology, covering some 350,000km of the world's oceans.
The Tara Expeditions Foundation's current quest is focused around coral reefs, which cover just 0.2 per cent of ocean surfaces, but provide habitats to nearly 30 per cent of known marine biodiversity.
Featuring its week-long visit are a series of events highlighting Tara's work and the issues it explored, particularly to young people.
Sir Peter Blake's former schooner, Tara. Photo / F.Latreille, Tara Expedition Foundation
Moore said conservation lost a massive champion when Sir Peter died.
"I always think what if ... he was a visionary, he was so far ahead of the curve on so many things. His tragic loss put us back. We need more leaders like him that can inspire people from all walks of life to be a bit selfless.
"[If he was here] it would be 10 times bigger, 10 times better. We might've been able to get (US president Donald] Trump to stick with the Paris [climate] accord."
Those who wanted to support Sir Peter's vision could start with the smallest changes, such as not buying food wrapped in plastic and turning the tap off when they brush their teeth, he said.
"Any little change you can have in your life has a massive impact."
Meanwhile, the couple also planned to help welcome home America's Cup winners Team New Zealand when a public celebration takes place on land and sea Thursday, Moore said.
Disrupted sleep with the early starts had given was to joy as the team closed in on glory.
"There was very little cheering. We didn't want to jinx it, it wasn't till 10 seconds before the finish line [that we were] hooting and hollering. Ecstasy is the feeling and a bit of pride in the legacy of Team New Zealand and that never give up attitude."
