From Lyttelton Harbour to the world stage
Born in Canterbury and grew up boating on Lyttelton Harbour, Lester began crewing in a Z Class before mastering a P Class dinghy his father built. His early breakthrough came with victory at the OK Dinghy junior worlds in 1974, followed by the senior world title in 1977 off Takapuna Beach – and with it his first Yachtsman of the Year award.
Grand prix success soon followed, including helming Kiwi Bevan Wooley’s Propaganda to victory at the 1987 Admiral’s Cup, and Germany’s Willi Illbruck’s Pinta in the One Ton Cup in Cagliari, Italy, and the Admiral’s Cup at Cowes, UK, in 1993.
America’s Cup and Olympic influence
Selected for the Finn class at the 1980 Olympics, he was denied the chance when New Zealand joined the US-led boycott. Although disappointed, Lester continued on to a career in the America’s Cup.
Lester’s America’s Cup career began as tactician on Sir Michael Fay’s KZ1 during the Deed of Gift match held in San Diego in 1988. Then in the 1992 America’s Cup, Peter served as coach for the Desafío España team. It was after the Spanish’s team exit from the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series in San Diego, that Peter stepped into the broadcast booth for the first time, joining the commentary team as an expert analyst.
As Yachting New Zealand’s first high-performance director, he led Olympic campaigns in Atlanta (1996), Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004), building systems that helped cement New Zealand’s Olympic sailing reputation.
The voice of the sport
He made his commentary debut at the 1992 San Diego America’s Cup, quickly earning a reputation for insight and clarity. Over the decades that followed, he became a familiar voice at countless Cups, Olympic Games, the Volvo Ocean Race and more, breaking down the sport’s complexities for every viewer.
Peter Montgomery called him “a very strong family man” with a smile and a “glass-half-full attitude”. Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson described him as “a standout broadcaster… a class act”.
A respected friend and mentor
Grant Dalton, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO, remembered him as “a very good friend” whose blessing he sought on design and strategy decisions. “Our sport and the Cup will not be the same without his constant presence,” Dalton said.
Harold Cudmore spoke of Lester’s “infectious enthusiasm for sailing and life”, while broadcaster Stephen McIvor recalled his kindness, humour, and love for large gins.
He leaves a lasting legacy
Lester’s commitment to the sport extended beyond competition and commentary. He mentored young sailors, served on Yachting NZ’s awards panel, and raised funds for sailing scholarships.
He is survived by his wife Susie, three sons, and grandchildren. A private funeral will be held, with a gathering at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to follow.
New Zealand sailing has lost a champion – not just of races, but of the people and stories that make the sport what it is.
