New Zealand’s sailing fraternity is paying tribute to Matt Mitchell, whose extraordinary journey from grassroots sailing champion to America’s Cup stalwart made him one of the country’s most admired yachtsmen. Mitchell, who died in Auckland this week aged 53 after a brave battle with cancer, has left an indelible mark on the sport, touching countless lives both on and off the water.
From local legend to America’s Cup champion
Mitchell was renowned for his versatility, racing everything from Zephyrs to towering J Class yachts. With six America’s Cup campaigns to his name and victories with Team New Zealand, Alinghi, and Oracle Team USA, Mitchell was respected globally as a competitor who thrived under pressure.
Close friend and fellow sailor Craig Satterthwaite vividly recalls Mitchell’s intensity and focus, no matter the scale of the race.
“Matt and I went to Playcentre, primary school and high school together, and we sailed many boats. But whether we were doing the America’s Cup or racing around the world on a J Class, a 100ft racing yacht, or an Elliott 5.9, he was always the same,” Satterthwaite said. “The more intense it got, the more focused Matty became. Even in an absolute shit fight, he was laser-focused on doing his job.”
A sailor’s sailor
Mitchell’s natural affinity for sailing saw him excel in almost every role onboard, from bowman to tactician, with countless national titles across various classes. Yet, it was his sharp sense of humour and quick wit that endeared him to crewmates and competitors alike.
“He was just so much fun to be around, and I can’t think of a time when he was seriously pissed off or grumpy,” added Satterthwaite. “We had a colossal amount of fun, even in the biggest pressure moments. Matty would still be taking the piss with his dry comments as we approached the bottom mark with 400 square metres of spinnaker to drop in five seconds!”
Kiwi sailing legend Murray Jones echoes these sentiments, acknowledging Mitchell’s honesty, integrity, and competitive drive.
“I had a huge amount of respect for Matt because he always kept it real,” Jones said. “He had a balanced view on things and wasn’t afraid to say it as it was. And no one was off-limits when it came to getting told either. But you always knew if he said something, it was because he was right.”
Jones recounted one memorable exchange during a high-stakes J Class race when Mitchell’s straightforward approach broke the tension:
“I made a mistake and really screwed it up. Matt usually called me ‘Captain’, but that day he said, ‘C’mon, Jones, we’re better than that!’ That was just how Matt was. He was super competitive, on the boat and off it. He had an incredible work ethic, was incredibly fit, and was a natural athlete.”
Revitalising grassroots sailing
Mitchell’s contributions went beyond professional sailing. Respected coach and race official Harold Bennett highlights Mitchell’s pivotal role in rejuvenating the Zephyr class, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most cherished dinghy fleets.
“He was an inspirational person. He came up through grassroots sailing and hit the big time,” Bennett said. “He touched so many lives, especially in the Zephyrs. He had some very clear ideas about what needed to happen with the boats, and many of those ideas were implemented and remain today. Thanks to him, many high-profile sailors are still sailing the boat.”
In one of Mitchell’s final acts, he sold his beloved Zephyr, a beautifully restored national champion, to Bennett’s daughter Carla, symbolically passing the torch to the next generation.
“Matt put a lot of work into the boat, and he was very particular about who he wanted to sell it to,” Bennett explained. “Carla will bring it up to Auckland from Picton for the funeral, which will also be a tribute to Matt’s incredible workmanship.”
Resilience and dedication to family
Mitchell’s family was his anchor, especially during the toughest days of his illness. Jones, who visited Mitchell at his Gulf Harbour home just before Christmas, recalled his friend’s unwavering commitment to family.
“I sat with him, and we had a good chat about all sorts of things,” said Jones. “Family was super important to him. He stepped back from competitive sailing to spend more time with Andrea and his boys, Sam and Balin. Even though his health had deteriorated, he still got out on his launch with the boys, and I know he loved it.”
Satterthwaite also shared a poignant memory from their last sail together:
“We did a 5.9 regatta in New Plymouth last year—four races in a three-to-four-metre westerly swell in the Tasman Sea. Matty was a tough bastard, and he sailed with us even though you could tell he wasn’t a hundy,” he said. “That’s the thing with Matt. Once you were with him, you were with him for life. He loved people, and he loved sailing—right till the end.”
A legacy to remember
As friends, family, and fellow sailors gather to honour Mitchell, his legacy is clear: an exceptional yachtsman, a true mate, and an inspirational figure whose impact will ripple through New Zealand sailing for generations.
