Is Peter Blake really a NZ hero/icon?

[Winston001]

Honestly I don't know. It always seemed like an Auckland thing. Heard on the radio that Black Magic has just been moved to his memorial site.

[doc]

Honestly I don't know. It always seemed like an Auckland thing. Heard on the radio that Black Magic has just been moved to his memorial site.

Yep he is a legend. Well he was a leader of men anyway, nowdays few are able to recognise that quality.

[Owl]

No, but Sir Peter Blake was!:D

[98tls]

Yes i believe he was.Wheres Auckland?Could well ave come from Stewart Isle for all that it would matter.

[RantyDave]

Well: he "got shit done" (tm); won pretty much anything worth winning in yachting; bought enormous shitloads of pride, respect and money into New Zealand; and was a family guy and all round good dude to boot. So, yeah, I think we can count him as a proper, full-on hero.

Dave

[PirateJafa]

Yes.

More NZ children should be looking up to heroes like Sir Peter Blake, leaders of men who push the boundaries of where men can go, and how fast they can do it, supporting the environment and living a clean, honourable life.

Instead of thugs chasing a pointy ball around a field, living a life of alcohol and commercial whoredom.

[Highlander]

Absolutely. He was a legend while he was still standing, more so since his tragic and untimely demise.

[The Stranger]

Honestly I don't know. It always seemed like an Auckland thing. Heard on the radio that Black Magic has just been moved to his memorial site.

How long have you been in NZ?

[Winston001]

Yes.

More NZ children should be looking up to heroes like Sir Peter Blake, leaders of men who push the boundaries of where men can go, and how fast they can do it, supporting the environment and living a clean, honourable life.

Instead of thugs chasing a pointy ball around a field, living a life of alcohol and commercial whoredom.

Agree completely about "sports heros". Someone like Mahe Drysdale is worthy of respect though.

Interesting.

My perception of Sir Peter Blake is he was a toff. Like Mark Todd. A person who could make a living sailing in yacht competitions still doesn't match up with say, Ed Hillary or Charles Upham VC+Bar. Upham stood and faced German machineguns and protected his men. Hillary founded schools and helped the Sherpas immensely. Both remained modest throughout their lives.

Peter Blake lived in England. His family are English. Nothing wrong with that but at the time of his death it appeared his affinity was with England. He'd left NZ behind.

[Maha]

Hes been fairly quiet in recent times.

[doc]

Agree completely about "sports heros". Someone like Mahe Drysdale is worthy of respect though.

Interesting.

My perception of Sir Peter Blake is he was a toff. Like Mark Todd. A person who could make a living sailing in yacht competitions still doesn't match up with say, Ed Hillary or Charles Upham VC+Bar. Upham stood and faced German machineguns and protected his men. Hillary founded schools and helped the Sherpas immensely. Both remained modest throughout their lives.

Peter Blake lived in England. His family are English. Nothing wrong with that but at the time of his death it appeared his affinity was with England. He'd left NZ behind.

Fark mate we have just gone thru a period where we had no male leadership role models. :shit: Now you want to destroy what we had in the past. :angry: Do you miss Helen or are you just bored ?

[Genestho]

Yes, definately an Icon. Pushing Boundaries, constantly looking for the next goal, the next level. He was one of many that put NZ on the Map for a long time, and achieved so much unselfishly.

Anyone that moves countries retains home in their hearts - no matter where they are, or what they do!

Blake and Hilary were some of my Heros when I grew up, I can't quite compare Mahe Drysdale - YET....

IMHO - Sad day for our kids when they have nothing as great as these men to aspire to!

[Madness]

The guy had balls the size of watermelons. That's worth something in my book.

Who here owned a pair of red socks?.

[Maha]

The guy had balls the size of watermelons. That's worth something in my book.

Who here owned a pair of red socks?.

No me, I also dont own an All Black Jersey or an Ice-Pick or a Canoe.

[PirateJafa]

Agree completely about "sports heros". Someone like Mahe Drysdale is worthy of respect though.

Interesting.

My perception of Sir Peter Blake is he was a toff. Like Mark Todd. A person who could make a living sailing in yacht competitions still doesn't match up with say, Ed Hillary or Charles Upham VC+Bar. Upham stood and faced German machineguns and protected his men. Hillary founded schools and helped the Sherpas immensely. Both remained modest throughout their lives.

I'm not saying that Sir Peter Blake is THE New Zealand hero. But he is A NZ hero.

While yes, Upham showed personal bravery in Africa throughout WWII, I don't think you realise the extent of similarities between Sir Ed and Sir Blake. Sir Edmund Hillary reached fame exploring the limits of how far a team of people can go, in his case up a mountain - but then it's hardly like Sir Peter Blake only raced America's Cup yachts in harbours around the world. In fact, he actually made his name racing in both the Whitbread Round-The-World races, and then later in the Jules Verne race, which pit yachts and their crews against each other in a non-stop round-the-world race, from Europe and back again - usually 70-80 days non-stop for most of the boats. Hardly a walk in the park.

While yes, there are sailors like Robin Knox-Johnston who have pulled off more epic races (First man to ever sail around the world non-stop by themself - 313 days at sea, with no sponsorship or outside help, winning the Golden Globe race), Sir Peter Blake's accomplishments are hardly to be belittled.

[Winston001]

Fark mate we have just gone thru a period where we had no male leadership role models. :shit: Now you want to destroy what we had in the past. :angry: Do you miss Helen or are you just bored ?

Good point. Actually I admire Willie Apiata too - another VC and also a modest man.





And I sooooo miss Aunty Helen......:crybaby: :cry: :crybaby:

[LBD]

A NZ sporting icon...Definately

Hero?....Not in my books...Blake was driven to win at a sport he enjoyed and was good at, But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary.

[Goblin]

The guy had balls the size of watermelons. That's worth something in my book.

Who here owned a pair of red socks?.Hell yes! :headbang: They were my "lucky" red socks...only threw them out last year cos they got too holey.

Sir Peter is a hero imo.

[98tls]

Yes.

More NZ children should be looking up to heroes like Sir Peter Blake, leaders of men who push the boundaries of where men can go, and how fast they can do it, supporting the environment and living a clean, honourable life.

Instead of thugs chasing a pointy ball around a field, living a life of alcohol and commercial whoredom. Sounds a bit tree huggish to me,Colin Meads for my moneys a Kiwi legend and he spent some time chasing a pointy ball round a field,then again there was a bloke with a last name Fagan and :gob:all things considered he chased sheep round,still as far a Kiwi legends go he is right up there.Guess it boils down to what your perception of legend/Kiwi is eh.

[MisterD]

but at the time of his death it appeared his affinity was with England. He'd left NZ behind.

If anything, I'd say his affinity was with the sea...but yep, a hero alright.

[doc]

Good point. Actually I admire Willie Apiata too - another VC and also a modest man.





And I sooooo miss Aunty Helen......:crybaby: :cry: :crybaby:

I know it sounds stupid. But they did what they did. So you could say what you did. But I feel Cpl Apiata did what he did, more out of "espr'e de corp" because of our lack of nationality.

[Genestho]

A NZ sporting icon...Definately

Hero?....Not in my books...Blake was driven to win at a sport he enjoyed and was good at, But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary.

Mate he was much more than a brilliant sportsman.

Do you not know of his expeditions and work in the Antartic and Amazon? He was special envoy in the UN environment programme.

He also headed the Cousteau society - group founded by Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Also:
"On 6 December 2001, pirates shot and killed Blake while he was on an environmental exploration trip in South America, monitoring global warming and pollution for the United Nations. "

and...post death
In December 2003, the Sir Peter Blake Trust was established, with the support of the Blake family, "to help New Zealanders make a positive difference for the planet through activities that encourage environmental awareness and action, and leadership development."

[doc]

Hero?....Not in my books...Blake was driven to win at a sport he enjoyed and was good at, But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary.

I thought he died standing up to confront the thieves on his boat to protect his crew. He could have cowered under a blanket in the head.

[firefighter]

A NZ sporting icon...Definately

Hero?....putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary.

Are you stupid? :blink:

What was he doing when he was killed again? Oh yeah, that's right......:mellow:

[98tls]

A NZ sporting icon...Definately

Hero?....Not in my books...Blake was driven to win at a sport he enjoyed and was good at, But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary. What you saying?the short fella actually got there first?

[Genestho]

I thought he died standing up to confront the thieves on his boat to protect his crew. He could have cowered under a blanket in the head.
Shot twice while going out to investigate as I understood it.

[scrivy]

A NZ sporting icon...Definately
Hell yes!! How many other Kiwis have caused tickertape parades recently in Queenstreet????

Hero?....Not in my books...Blake was driven to win at a sport he enjoyed and was good at, But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary.

One thing most people forget, is that he did try to protect his crew from the pirates - and ultimately lost his life as a result. If he hadn't had died, he too may have been regarded in the same light as Willie Apiata?
He also made alot of Kiwis realise we could do more than just play rugby.

He may be gone, but he's still a good bastard in my books.
Lets see how many young people in the near future will have as much impact as him.

[98tls]

He may be gone, but he's still a good bastard in my books.
Lets see how many young people in the near future will have as much impact as him. Agreed,no doubt theres many young people making an impact but unless you give a shit about playstation highest scores and graffiti its doubtful in many cases you will notice.

[Hitcher]

Peter Blake was born in New Zealand but lived in the UK. His wife is a Pom, so are his kids. He's buried there.

If people are to be identified with where they culturally align themselves, then Peter Blake is English. A Sam Neil in reverse.

[Winston001]

Mate he was much more than a brilliant sportsman.

Do you not know of his expeditions and work in the Antartic and Amazon? He was special envoy in the UN environment programme.

He also headed the Cousteau society - group founded by Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Also:
"On 6 December 2001, pirates shot and killed Blake while he was on an environmental exploration trip in South America, monitoring global warming and pollution for the United Nations. "

and...post death
In December 2003, the Sir Peter Blake Trust was established, with the support of the Blake family, "to help New Zealanders make a positive difference for the planet through activities that encourage environmental awareness and action, and leadership development."

Thoughtful stuff. He was one of the good guys, no argument.

Ok fair enough, its good to learn what others think.

[98tls]

Peter Blake was born in New Zealand but lived in the UK. His wife is a Pom, so are his kids. He's buried there.

If people are to be identified with where they culturally align themselves, then Peter Blake is English. A Sam Neil in reverse. There ya go then,pity theres not other Pacific nations with such an understanding welfare system.

[MisterD]

Peter Blake was born in New Zealand but lived in the UK. His wife is a Pom, so are his kids. He's buried there.

If people are to be identified with where they culturally align themselves, then Peter Blake is English. A Sam Neil in reverse.

I'm English, my wife is a Kiwi and so are my kids, I'll be buried here but I won't ever cease to be a Pom...as much as I do love my new country of residence.

[98tls]

I'm English, my wife is a Kiwi and so are my kids, I'll be buried here but I won't ever cease to be a Pom...as much as I do love my new country of residence. Yea yea i believe ya just stop whinging eh.:blink:

[The Stranger]

Peter Blake was born in New Zealand but lived in the UK. His wife is a Pom, so are his kids. He's buried there.

If people are to be identified with where they culturally align themselves, then Peter Blake is English. A Sam Neil in reverse.

He was born and raised in NZ. He spent a lot of time overseas - he was a yachtsman - he had to, there is no way he could have been who he was if he didn't.

Cultural? As in a passion for sailing? Hmm, now where could that have come from? Certainly not sailing the waters of the Waitemata as youth I expect. That plus his loooong and distinguished association with NZ yachting interests (Whitbread challenges and Americas cup etc) place him well and truly as a Kiwi.

[Hitcher]

If having him be a "kiwi" makes people feel better, then so be it.

[ynot slow]

Suppose so,Sir Ed was first up Everest,Sir Pete was second to take cup from yanks after Aussies in the time of it's history,only two countries to do so at the time.And he was at the top of his game for a few years,certainly had respect,don't think Coutts or Barker will manage this,irrespective of your thoughts on Coutts.Blake is similar to Coutts,Dickson that he had to work offshore for the money,except he didn't raise the ire of country doing it.

[The Stranger]

If having him be a "kiwi" makes people feel better, then so be it.

Well, put it this way hitcher, it is comforting, as it goes some way toward cancelling out the thought of you being one anyway.

[Whynot]

Suppose so,Sir Ed was first up Everest,Sir Pete was second to take cup from yanks after Aussies in the time of it's history,only two countries to do so at the time.And he was at the top of his game for a few years,certainly had respect,don't think Coutts or Barker will manage this,irrespective of your thoughts on Coutts.Blake is similar to Coutts,Dickson that he had to work offshore for the money,except he didn't raise the ire of country doing it.

As far as i'm concerned what he managed in the whitbread and the jules verne are much bigger achievements than beating some americans in a 'round the buoys' race.

[Swoop]

As far as i'm concerned what he managed in the whitbread and the jules verne are much bigger achievements than beating some americans in a 'round the buoys' race.

Quite so. When the Whitbread was a proper race. None of this "sail for 5 days and you're at the next port" crap, which it has become.

Peter Blake.
A good man. A good sailor. A good person.

[Pixie]

Peter who?

Some sports associated person I suspect,seeing as it's NZ

[mister.koz]

Agree completely about "sports heros". Someone like Mahe Drysdale is worthy of respect though.

Interesting.

My perception of Sir Peter Blake is he was a toff. Like Mark Todd. A person who could make a living sailing in yacht competitions still doesn't match up with say, Ed Hillary or Charles Upham VC+Bar. Upham stood and faced German machineguns and protected his men. Hillary founded schools and helped the Sherpas immensely. Both remained modest throughout their lives.

Peter Blake lived in England. His family are English. Nothing wrong with that but at the time of his death it appeared his affinity was with England. He'd left NZ behind.

I reckon he was a cool dude for doing all he did, i disagree with the leader thing tho, i mean he lead a team of me in a big boat in allot of races and did a stellar job.

He was an icon and someone to look up to but I also disagree with the Hero thing. A hero does something for the good of people for the purpose of the people. Racing yachts and earning buckets of money does create pride for the people but he did that for himself.

All power to him though, he did great things :)

[Rcktfsh]

Why would a pom who won a couple of races in a little known elitist sport and died as a result of his inability to handle his piss be a NZ hero/icon?

[Blackbird]

I've met met Peter Blake two or 3 times. Our yacht club was one of his sponsors for his Lion New Zealand Round the World campaign. I was fortunate enough to be the member of our yacht club chosen to go to the Lion launch day and I remember several things from that day.

He was a true leader as opposed to a "manager". He had real authority/mana born out of ability rather than position and he wore it easily. It was clear from the body language of his crew and everyone associated with the launch as he supervised it just how respected he was.

The term hero/icon carries all sorts of connotations, and is unjustly conferred on some. As an ex-Pom who has lived in NZ for 34 years, Peter Blake epitomises what I think characterises truly great Kiwi leaders - a natural humility without false modesty and prepared to lead from the front.

[Swoop]

...in a little known elitist sport ... be a NZ hero/icon?
Odd. I think exacly the same of those moron's with a pointy ball.

[ynot slow]

As far as i'm concerned what he managed in the whitbread and the jules verne are much bigger achievements than beating some americans in a 'round the buoys' race.

Yep my point in a different way of saying,couldn't recall the events lol.Always interest in round the world with him and Dalton first abd second into Auckland.

[Pwalo]

I still don't get this thing with having people as icons, or having to hold people (especially sportsmen/women) as role models.

My Dad did pretty well in both cases.

[mister.koz]

I reckon we all draw good things from lots of different sources, i'm not interested in watching sports or looking up to sportsmen but Pythagoras, Bool, Davinci, Beethoven, Holst, Trent Reznor, James Hatfield, Hatsumei, My dad, Britten and My mum all have ways and levels of good stuff i can admire and aspire to.

Each to our own...

[The Stranger]

I still don't get this thing with having people as icons, or having to hold people (especially sportsmen/women) as role models.

My Dad did pretty well in both cases.

It's not about "having to", it's admiring and acknowledging great achievements and excellence in a field. Personally I find his achievements inspirational, as with many others.
I don't have to, there is no need in it, it just makes you realise what is possible and what can be achieved with a dream, dedication and focus. Is that a bad thing?

[mister.koz]

It's not about "having to", it's admiring and acknowledging great achievements and excellence in a field. Personally I find his achievements inspirational, as with many others.
I don't have to, there is no need in it, it just makes you realise what is possible and what can be achieved with a dream, dedication and focus. Is that a bad thing?

I think thats a really good thing :yes:

[SPman]

But a hero is self sacrificing, putting others ahead of self. On that front Blake is not in the same league as Hillary. He sort of ran out of time.......Peter was heading in the right direction. I suppose you can say, shooting at pirates is self sacrificing - especially when you miss and they didn't...........

[ynot slow]

I looked up at my grand parents and parents as role models and people I would like to aspire to.