Sir Tom Clark dies in Auckland

by Richard Gladwell on 14 Jun 2005 Sir Tom Clark one of the great driving forces behind New Zealand sailing for the last 45-50 years has died in Auckland at the age of 88 years.

Sir Tom was the mentor of Sir Peter Blake - backing him in the Whitbread Round the World Race with the 'Ceramco New Zealand' campaign - to which Tom (who owned the company) is said to have told his Managing Director, “if you don’t like it then fire me!”.

He started out in a motor racing career retiring from that in the mid-sixties when he commissioned the Spencer designed 'Saracen' a black-hulled forerunner to his next boat the John Spencer designed 'Infidel' - which went on to enjoy a long racing career as 'Ragtime'.

Clark's next boat was again by Spencer the 73ft plywood maxi 'Buccaneer' which campaigned on the world ocean racing circuit, including a win in the Sydney Hobart Race.

Always an enthusiast and motivator, Clark was one of the legends of the New Zealand sailing scene. Aside from his Whitbread and America's Cup involvement with Sir Peter Blake, Sir Tom was a strong supporter and trustee of the New Zealand International Yachting Trust, which has funded many fledgling sailors and is recognised as one of the major factors behind the development of New Zealand Yacht talent, particularly in the Olympic scene.

He will always be remembered for his hearty laugh, good humour, ready encouragement and enthusiasm for all who sailed.

He, along with John Street and Trevor Geldard, were honoured with the Sailor of the Year Trophy by Yachting New Zealand on the occasion of it's 50th anniversary, for their contribution to New Zealand sailing.