He’d always had ambitions to design yachts. One of his proudest possessions was a handwritten letter received from Olin Stephens. As a teenager he had drawn a yacht and sent the plans to the great man for comment. Olin despite being famous and busy, replied, making some critical observations but at no time be condescending to the colonial lad who had presumed to seek advice from the master.

In attempting to find something positive in her demise, I can only think that coming to grief on a reef in Western Australia is preferable to a slow death in a marina from lack of maintenance.

John was and will remain an absolute icon in this country for his amazing achievements, from supporting the endeavours of the average bloke who just wanted to be able to sail his boat, to the top echelons of NZ Sailing.