Yacht Squadron shocked at Blake killing

10.00 am

Sir Peter Blake's murder was a tragedy which has shocked the yachting fraternity, the commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Peter Taylor said today.

He said Sir Peter's contribution to the sport was immeasurable.

"It's an absolute tragedy, he's done more for New Zealand yachting than any other person," he said.

Taylor, whose RNZYS is the official holder of the America's Cup won by Team New Zealand, said Sir Peter was revered in the sport both here and overseas.

"He was famous right throughout the world. He was a huge contributor.

"Peter was able to just open doors, he had an ability to make people feel comfortable and feel warm in his presence.

"The way he was able to encourage people to give generously in yachting. He was a very fine yachtsman himself."

Taylor said the Red Socks campaigns for Team New Zealand were typical of Sir Peter.

"It touched the whole of New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of people went out and bought red socks.

"It was Sir Peter everyone identified in 1995 when we won the Cup. He was the charisma which drew everyone towards him.

- NZPA