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Trevor Geldard is being remembered as a visionary who played a leading role in the rise and rise of New Zealand sailing from the 1970s.
Geldard passed away peacefully at his home last week.
New Zealand's first tilt at the America's Cup in 1987 might not have happened without Geldard. The idea was faltering in the mid-1980s when a small group met at a function in Auckland and the subject of New Zealand's challenge was brought up.
"Among the group were some prominent people who were concerned about the difficulty of fundraising and, without money, the idea would remain a dream," said sailing broadcaster Peter Montgomery who was in attendance that day. "I was witness to Trevor Geldard saying, 'we will start things rolling with $1 million'. That was the start of what became an illustrious time for New Zealand sport.
"Trevor Geldard’s vision and courage was well known and appreciated among the sailing community."
It was recognised in 2004 when he won the Bernard Fergusson Trophy for Sailor of the Year alongside Sir Tom Clark and John Street. He was also made a life member of Yachting New Zealand.
Above: Geldard being interviewed by Peter Montgomery. Main photo: Geldard, far right, is presented with the Bernard Fergusson Trophy in 2004.
During his time as chief executive of Consolidated Chemicals and then Healing Industries, Geldard instigated some substantial sponsorship from Epiglass, one of the products his company manufactured.
He was a strong advocate of supporting the market his company served and insisted on sponsorship for events and programmes ranging from junior sailing through to the One Ton Cup, Admiral's Cup, Southern Cross Cup, Kenwood Cup, America's Cup and New Zealand-flagged yachts in the round the world race.
A $300,000 sponsorship of the 1984 Epiglass Olympicsail brought about a change of fortunes for New Zealand sailors at the Olympics, starting with Russell Coutts (Finn) and Rex Sellers and Chris Timms (Tornado) winning gold and Bruce Kendall (windsurfing) bronze in Los Angeles and sustaining success for at least the next decade. Geldard also arranged a $500,000 sponsorship of the 1985 Admiral's Cup team.
It wasn't just high-profile events that captured Geldard. He was also instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sailing Regatta and Epiglass were regular supporters of junior class national championships.
A service to celebrate Geldard's life will be held at the St Andrews Church in Epsom at 1.30pm on Thursday, March 23. Please email brett@advancetrident.com to register your attendance (vaccine passes will be required).
