Very good yachtsman, vintner Sir James Hardy dies aged 90

Triple America’s Cup skipper and twin Australian Olympian Sir James Hardy has died in Adelaide, aged 90.

The well-known yachtsman, vintner and neighborhood chief handed away peacefully on Thursday.

A member of the America’s Cup Corridor of Fame, Hardy helped set the tone for Australia’s momentous and nation-building victory within the well-known race.

He skippered Australia’s America Cup challenges in 1970, 1974 and 1980 and was a key adviser for the enduring Australia II crew, led by John Bertrand, that in 1983 ended the 132-year US dominance of the race.

“Mainly I used to be back-up skipper for Bertrand, and he did pinch a nerve in his neck and he was off the boat,” Hardy stated in a 2021 interview.

“I imagine it was 9 or 10 races.”

Often known as “Gentleman Jim”, Hardy was made an OBE in 1975 and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 for companies to yachting and the neighborhood.

“There’ll by no means be one other Sir James,” stated Australian Crusing president Alistair Murray, AM.

“His contribution to the game can’t be understated. He was beloved by everybody he met and couldn’t have given extra of himself to driving the success of crusing in Australia.

“Personally, he was my hero, and I used to be proud to name him my pal.

“On behalf of Australian Crusing, I want to share our unhappiness on the information and cross our condolences to his household and the numerous crusing pals he made alongside the way in which.”

Hardy competed in consecutive Olympic Video games, Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico Metropolis in 1968.

Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman stated Hardy was a large of his sport.

“James Hardy’s title is inextricably certain with the game he cherished over so many a long time,” Chesterman stated in a press release.

“He ignited Australia’s obsession with claiming the America’s Cup trophy, finally achieved in 1983, with Sir James advising profitable skipper John Bertrand.”

Hardy continued to sail competitively till late in life.

Outdoors of crusing, Hardy served as chairman of the household firm that produced a number of the nation’s hottest wine manufacturers.

He began working for Hardys in 1953 in a wide range of roles, with the corporate releasing a glowing wine vary in his honour within the late Nineteen Eighties.

Hardy served on many boards and councils, together with the Landcare Basis.

He’s survived by his spouse Joan, brother David, sister Pamela, and sons David and Richard.

A personal funeral will likely be held in Adelaide, with a memorial service to observe at a later date.

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