Sir Peter Blake was a renowned New Zealand sailor and environmentalist, often regarded as one of the greatest sailors of his time. ‘Blakey’ made significant contributions to the sport of sailing and also became widely known for his environmental activism.

Blake achieved fame for his success in yacht racing, particularly in the Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as the Volvo Ocean Race) and the America's Cup. He won the Whitbread Round the World Race twice, first in 1989-1990 as the skipper of Steinlager 2 and again in 1993-1994 as the skipper of NZ Endeavour.

In the America's Cup, he led Team New Zealand to victory in 1995 as the syndicate head and skipper, marking New Zealand's first-ever win in the prestigious sailing event. He played a pivotal role in the team's success, earning widespread admiration for his leadership and sailing prowess.

Beyond his achievements in sailing, Blake was deeply passionate about environmental conservation. He co-founded the environmental organisation, Blake Expeditions, which aimed to raise awareness about the need to protect the world's oceans. He also served as a Special Envoy for the UN Environment Programme, advocating for sustainable practices and marine conservation.

Tragically, Sir Peter Blake's life was cut short in 2001 when he was killed by pirates while on an environmental expedition in the Amazon River. His legacy continues to inspire sailors and environmentalists worldwide, and he is remembered as a true champion of both the seas and the planet.