Latest news with #YachtingNZ
1News
10-08-2025
- Sport
- 1News
New Zealand sailing great Peter Lester dies aged 70
New Zealand sailing icon and America's Cup commentator Peter Lester has died aged 70. Lester, a two-time Yachtsman of the Year and former America's Cup tactician, was a towering figure in the sport both on and off the water. After a decorated racing career, including three America's Cup campaigns and multiple international titles, Lester became a beloved local television analyst. He was a key voice in Cup coverage for more than 30 years, known for his deep knowledge and ability to explain complex racing to a wide audience. Yachting NZ said in a statement it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Lester's death, describing him as a "world-class sailor, Olympic coach, and one of the most loved and respected voices in sailing". ADVERTISEMENT "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." Lester first made waves in 1977 when he won the OK Dinghy World Championship off Auckland's Takapuna Beach and was subsequently named yachtsman of the year. His long association with the Auld Mug began in 1988 as a tactician on board the KZ1 challenger. He went on to contribute to multiple syndicates in various roles. In 1992, he stepped into the commentary box and became one of the sport's most trusted voices. For more than 30 years, his voice, often alongside race caller Peter Montgomery, became synonymous with Team New Zealand's success on the water.
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Sowry's new Olympic gig
Glen Sowry Outgoing Queenstown Airport boss Glen Sowry has just been elected as the new New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) chair. A former sailor, Sowry, 63, is Olympian #848. He was first appointed to the NZOC board in 2023, ahead of the Paris Olympics, and will replace Diana Puketapu-Lyndon. Sowry, who finishes as airport CEO next month, says he's "honoured" to take on the job and build on the work Puketapu-Lyndon has done. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, athletes and our diverse range of stakeholders of the NZOC to support our athletes to achieve continued success at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and to continue to promote the Olympic values and instil pride and excellence in all New Zealanders," he says. Sowry, who competed in the Tornado event at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, was earlier selected for Sir Peter Blake's 1985-'86 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race campaign, onboard Lion New Zealand. He went on to sail onboard Steinlager 2, helm the back-up boat for the NZ challenge for the America's Cup in '91-'92, and was then selected by Grant Dalton was watch captain for the '93-'94 Whitbread onboard NZ Endeavour. He's previously served on the Yachting NZ high performance committee, and was a Yachting NZ Olympic selector for the 2004 Athens Olympics.
