Issue date
The recent passing of New Plymouth yachting man Roy Holdt will leave a large gap for not only his family and friends, but also the wider yachting community.
Roy’s legacy, after a lifetime of commitment to the sport he loved, will mean his memory lives on.
Sailing was a massive part of Roy’s life – starting around 13 years of age he was rarely without a yacht. It’s a trend that has continued through the generations of sons, grandsons and nephews.
He was Commodore of the New Plymouth Yacht Club for 15 years and represented Western Districts Yachting Association as a Councillor on the then New Zealand Yachting Federation for many years. Being made a Life Member of the New Plymouth Yacht Club with his wife Lois in 1973 was an absolute privilege and honour for him.
In 1956 the original Clubhouse was demolished, a new Clubhouse was erected helped by Roy and his great friend and sailing mate Graeme Johns, both carpenters.
This building was demolished by a Tornado one year later in March 1957. Roy was hands on again to clean up the mess and rebuild a new Clubhouse. The Club was shifted to its present site due to port development and Roy was deeply involved again.
In 1974 he was in charge this time of the construction of the present lounge area.
Roy’s contribution to the New Plymouth Yacht Club and yachting as a whole has been immense and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
