His nickname “Bulldog” was so appropriate - Vale John Street.
I first met John Street when crewing on the 1894 Robert Logan yacht WAITANGI during the festivities around the 2000 Americas Cup in Auckland. To me at the time he appreaed to be this magician, who found ways to save the unsaveable, and fund the unfundable.
John was the founder, former chair and the patron of the Classic Yacht Charitable Trust, and was largely responsible for the purchase and return to New Zealand of that same yacht, WAITANGI , which had been restored by CYAA members in Melbourne, and literally was the vessel that was the impetus for the formation of both the CYAA and the CYANZ. Through John and the CYCT the trust fleet has grown to 14 yachts, and includes the WAITANGI, the Logan brothers THELMA (1897), the Chas. Bailey IDA ( 1895) and the Olin Stephens designed RAINBOW II (1966).
A tribute from the Auckland Aniversary Day Regatta Reads…
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.
His legacy in the classic yachting world will live on in the many beautifully restored boats he saved from destruction, all of which now grace the Auckland Harbour and are a fitting tribute to him.
His generosity was legendary along with his attitude, and his caring nature for individuals who didn’t have the power and means to tell their story. As was his outspoken intolerance of political interference and his ability to get things done when others found the obstacles put in their way too great. We are very honoured to have had John as our Vice-Patron for so many years.
John was 87. A celebration of his life will be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron from 3pm on Sunday, February 18.