Triple America’s Cup skipper and dual Australian Olympian Sir James Hardy has died in Adelaide, aged 90.
The well-known yachtsman, vintner and community leader passed away peacefully on Thursday.
A member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, Hardy helped set the tone for Australia’s momentous and nation-building victory in the famous race.
He skippered Australia’s America Cup challenges in 1970, 1974 and 1980 and was a key adviser for the iconic Australia II crew, led by John Bertrand, that in 1983 ended the 132-year US dominance of the race.
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“Basically I was back-up skipper for Bertrand, and he did pinch a nerve in his neck and he was off the boat,” Hardy said in a 2021 interview.
“I believe it was nine or 10 races.”
Known as “Gentleman Jim”, Hardy was made an OBE in 1975 and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981 for services to yachting and the community.
“There will never be another Sir James,” Australian Sailing president Alistair Murray, AM, said.
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“His contribution to the sport cannot be understated. He was beloved by everyone he met and could not have given more of himself to driving the success of sailing in Australia.
“Personally, he was my hero, and I was proud to call him my friend.
“On behalf of Australian Sailing, I would like to share our sadness at the news and pass our condolences to his family and the many sailing friends he made along the way.”
Hardy competed in consecutive Olympic Games, Tokyo in 1964 and Mexico City in 1968.
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman said Hardy was a giant of his sport.
“James Hardy’s name is inextricably bound with the sport he loved over so many decades,” Chesterman said in a statement.
“He ignited Australia’s obsession with claiming the America’s Cup trophy, eventually achieved in 1983, with Sir James advising winning skipper John Bertrand.”
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Hardy continued to sail competitively until late in life.
Outside of sailing, Hardy served as chairman of the family company that produced some of the nation’s most popular wine brands.
He started working for Hardys in 1953 in a variety of roles, with the company releasing a sparkling wine range in his honour in the late 1980s.
Hardy served on many boards and councils, including the Landcare Foundation.
He is survived by his wife Joan, brother David, sister Pamela, and sons David and Richard.
A private funeral will be held in Adelaide, with a memorial service to follow at a later date.
-AAP
