The committee and members of the CYAA are saddened to learn of the passing in Decmber 2023, of a legend of Classic Yachting in New Zealand and a great friend of the CYAA John Street.
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.
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 the 1894 Robert Logan 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 aforementioned Waitangi, the Logan brothers Thelma (1897), the Chas. Bailey Ida ( 1895) and the Olin Stephens designed Rainbow II (1966).
John’s contribution to New Zealand sailing was immense. John was a Member Of The New Zealand Order Of Merit for services to yachting. Past Director of Whitbread Stop Over Limited, Past Trustee of the National Maritime Museum, Chairman of NZ International Yachting Trust, Foundation Member of NZ Yachting Academy, Committee member NZ Yachting High Performance Committee, Committee Member and past Chairman of Boating Industry Association, Executive Member of the Marine Export Group (MAREX), Past Director of the 2000 Americas Cup Village development. Committee Member of Boating Industry Association, New Zealand Yachting Federation honour award 1994, Life member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron 2001, Life Member Yachting New Zealand. Sir Bernard Ferguson Yachtsman of the year award 2004.
Most importantly he was a great friend of all those he knew from the CYAA. John was 87.
A celebration of John Street’s life will be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron from 3pm on Sunday, February 18.
