'It's in the Blood' - the Lidgard family story

by Sail-World on 23 Sep 2006 The patriarch of one of New Zealand's great yachting families, John Lidgard, has written a book on his, and his family’s sailing history, experiences and successes. It will be available in the next week or two.

Its title 'It’s in the Blood', is literally true for the Lidgard family.

They are the descendants of Viking ancestors with an unbroken relationship to the sea. In his book, John Lidgard (with input from his accomplished sailor and navigator wife, Heather) shares the story of his own family’s remarkable contribution to New Zealand’s yachting fame, achieved throughout the second half of the 20th century.

John’s life has demonstrated a rare and complete array of yachting-related talents.

Not only is he a sailor/navigator who has found success in a wide array of yacht-racing classes around the world, but he is a highly successful yacht designer and boatbuilder. Also, John has shown a dedication to bringing on new yachting talent. For all these reasons, he has earned himself a very special place in New Zealand yachting history.

John shares the stories of many triumphs, some disappointments and even tragedy with his readers, who are given a remarkable insight into many famous races, and family cruising exploits that sometimes include the most unusual places.

This book will be especially treasured by the yachting fraternity and makes an important contribution to New Zealand’s nautical history.

To buy, either email Duthie Lidgard duthie@internationalmarine.co.nz , or send cash/cheque to John Lidgard, 54 Vinograd Drive, Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland. $35 each or $30 for two copies or more.