Latest news with #NewZealandSailingTeam
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Peter Lester, New Zealand's two-time Yachtsman of the Year, beloved sailor and leading voice of the America's Cup, dies at 70
The sailing community worldwide mourns the loss of Peter Lester , who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday at the age of 70. The New Zealand Sailing Team confirmed Lester's death in an Instagram post on Sunday, August 10, honoring the legacy of one of the sport's most beloved and familiar identities. It said, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Lester - world-class sailor, Olympic coach, and one of the most loved and respected voices in sailing," Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Peter Lester's sailing journey began in Canterbury, New Zealand, where his grandfather introduced him to the sport in a P-class dinghy. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became Junior World Champion in the OK Dinghy class in 1974 and went on to win the World Championship in 1977 on home waters at Takapuna Beach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo He was twice named New Zealand Yachtsman of the Year , in 1977 and again in 1987. America's Cup and Competitive Sailing Live Events Peter's association with the America's Cup started in 1988 when he served as tactician on the New Zealand challenger KZ1. Although that campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, he remained a prominent figure in the Cup's community, contributing to multiple syndicates over the years. He also succeeded in other prestigious regattas, winning the One Ton Cup three times and playing key roles in the Admiral's Cup and Kenwood Cup competitions. His versatility across Olympic classes and international Grand Prix yachting was widely respected. Coaching and Leadership Beyond competition, Peter was a dedicated coach and mentor. He served as High-Performance Manager at Yachting New Zealand and coached Olympic sailing teams for the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Games. He also managed the team during the 2004 Athens Olympics. His expertise was sought worldwide, including a coaching stint at the Aspire Academy in Qatar and leadership roles with European teams. Broadcasting Legacy Millions of fans associate Peter Lester's voice with the America's Cup. Beginning his broadcast career in 1992, his clear, insightful analysis helped demystify the complexities of sailing for viewers new and old. His infectious laugh and generous spirit made him a beloved commentator alongside colleagues like Peter Montgomery. He covered major events including the America's Cup, the Olympics, the Extreme Sailing Series, and the Volvo Ocean Race, enriching the sport's global reach. As per Stuff, Lester was part of the world feed commentary team for the America's Cup in 2024. Personal Life and Legacy Peter cherished his family, his wife Susie, three sons, and grandchildren and was known for his warmth, humor, and kindness.. Grant Dalton, CEO of America's Cup Event and Team New Zealand, summed it up: 'Our sport and the Cup will not be the same without his constant presence.'
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Sailor and broadcaster Peter Lester dies
After competing, Peter Lester became a sailing commentator at the 1992 America's Cup and went on to become a well-regarded voice for the sport. Photo: LinkedIn The New Zealand yachting fraternity is mourning the death of decorated former sailor and broadcaster Peter Lester. He was 70. Lester's death was confirmed by the New Zealand Sailing Team in a social media post which honoured the legacy of one of the most beloved and familiar identities in the sport. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Lester - world-class sailor, Olympic coach, and one of the most loved and respected voices in sailing," the post read. "Peter's knowledge, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm inspired generations - from his triumphs in the America's Cup, Admiral's Cup and beyond, to his brilliant and insightful commentary. "He was a true original and a great friend to our sport. Our thoughts are with his wife Susie, his children and grandchildren, as well as all who knew him." The New Zealand Herald reported Lester died on Friday after having suffered a heart attack a week earlier. Lester first rose to fame in 1977 as a world champion in the OK Dinghy class in home waters off Takapuna Beach and was named New Zealand yachtsman of the year for his achievement. He began a long association with the America's Cup - on and off the water - in 1988 when he was a tactician on board the failed New Zealand big boat KZ1 challenge which failed to wrest the Auld Mug off United States defenders Stars and Stripes. Lester went on to take up a number of roles for a variety of America's Cup syndicates and his versatility was always obvious in multiple Olympic classes and one-off races around the globe. Notably he was victorious three times at the famed One Ton Cup regatta for 6m dinghies. He took up a formal role as a sailing commentator at the 1992 America's Cup and went on to become a well-regarded voice for the sport - his analysis renowned for its clarity and ability to explain a sport not familiar to many listeners and viewers. Along with race caller Peter Montgomery, Lester's voice is closely associated with Team New Zealand's triumphant period of success in the America's Cup over the last 30 years.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Peter Lester, decorated former sailor and broadcaster, dies aged 70
America's Cup commentator Peter Lester. Photo: Photosport The New Zealand yachting fraternity is mourning the death of decorated former sailor and broadcaster Peter Lester at the age of 70. Lester's death was confirmed by the New Zealand Sailing Team in a social media post which honoured the legacy of one of the most beloved and familiar identities in the sport. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Lester - world-class sailor, Olympic coach, and one of the most loved and respected voices in sailing," the post read. "Peter's knowledge, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm inspired generations - from his triumphs in the America's Cup, Admiral's Cup and beyond, to his brilliant and insightful commentary. "He was a true original and a great friend to our sport. Our thoughts are with his wife Susie, his children and grandchildren, as well as all who knew him." The New Zealand Herald reported Lester died on Friday after having suffered a heart attack a week earlier. (L to R) Peter Lester, Rod Davis and David Barnes - part of the New Zealand crew of KZ 1 for the 1988 America's Cup challenge. Photo: photosport Lester first rose to fame in 1977 as a world champion in the OK Dinghy class in home waters off Takapuna Beach and was named New Zealand yachtsman of the year for his achievement. He began a long association with the America's Cup - on and off the water - in 1988 when he was a tactician on board the failed New Zealand big boat KZ1 challenge which failed to wrest the Auld Mug off US defenders Stars and Stripes. Lester went on to take up a number of roles for a variety of America's Cup syndicates while his versatility was always obvious in multiple Olympic classes and one-off races around the globe. Notably he was victorious three times at the famed One Ton Cup regatta for 6m dinghies. He took up a formal role as a sailing commentator at the 1992 America's Cup and went on to become a well-regarded voice for the sport - his analysis renowned for its clarity and ability to explain a sport not familiar to many listeners and viewers. Along with race caller Peter Montgomery, Lester's voice is closely associated with Team New Zealand's triumphant period of success in the America's Cup over the last 30 years. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
