[Paddlewise] Sail on, Sir Peter...

Hello,

I mostly just lurk on PW these days, but I wanted to at least mention
the tragic passing of Sir Peter Blake of New Zealand. I'm sure most of
you know by now that he was killed in a senseless act of piracy on the
River Amazon.

Though this may seem off-topic for this list, I also can't help but
feel that in our common love of the sea, and of our environment in
general, we owe him a moment of collective gratitude and remembrance.

Sailor/Environmentalist... a true Son of the Sea...

I've long admired not only his prowess at the helm, but also his
tireless dedication to the environment that we on this list appreciate
so much in our daily excursions onto the wonderful waters of this
world.

Sure - he was a great competitive sailor, and he made a small country
very proud to call him their own, but he was also a champion for all
who appreciate the wonders of the sea, and who want to see our
environment healthy. From his personal 'round the world sailing
records, to his America's Cup victories, his work with the Cousteau
Society, UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program), and of late, his
own "Blake Expeditions", his life was a celebration of the great
wonders we, as skippers of our own wee boaties, feel such an intimate
connection to. We've lost one of our own.

My condolences to his family and close friends, to his proud and
grieving countrymen (and women!) in New Zealand, and to all who shared
his passion for the sea.

Sail on, Sir Peter... you will be missed here, and welcomed with open
arms in all Ports O' Call to come...

Melissa

-- 
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mailto:pgp_keys_at_gmx.co.uk?subject=PGP_Keys_1&Body=Please%20send%20keys

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