Just weeks shy of his impending retirement, Simon Smith, a history teacher of 35 years and an avid sailor, tragically lost his life during the Coastal Classic yacht race. Smith was a respected figure at Auckland’s eminent Westlake Boys’ High School and known for his grand contributions to the campus community.
Principal David Ferguson addressed the school, revealing Smith’s untimely demise during the prestigious yacht race this past Friday. Smith met his end when a boom, a horizontal spar situated at the mast’s base, unexpectedly swung around and struck him. The tragic incident also injured two other yacht crew members.
Remembering Smith, Ferguson praised him as an “avid sailor” and a “Westlake legend.” He had dedicated nearly 35 years of his life to nurturing minds at Westlake Boys’ High School, earning admirable recognition and popularity among the hundreds of boys whom he taught, guided, and coached.
Smith was a cherished colleague with an admirable sense of humor and an expansive knowledge of New Zealand history, remarked Ferguson. A loyal Westlake rugby supporter, Smith’s presence would draw sizable groups of Westlakers, hanging onto his exciting stories at events. In a bittersweet revelation, Smith had shared his retirement plans for this December with Ferguson the previous week. His absence will be dearly felt across the school, lamented the principal.
Smith’s wife, also a staff member at the school, and their three children survive him. Since his tenure began in 1989 at Westlake, Smith had taken on multiple roles that included a history teacher, department head, dean, and a monumentally successful sailing coach. His interest in sailing had a long history, having competed in the inaugural Whitbread Round The World Ocean Race.
The school plans to commemorate Smith with a special assembly to honor his legacy and contributions. Besides expressing his profound grief at the incident, Principal Ferguson chose not to comment further.
Billed as a 119-nautical-mile race journey from Auckland to Russell, the Coastal Classic is a prestigious event hosted by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC). The fatal mishap took place in the Bay of Islands.
Adrian Percival, NZMYC Commodore, announced on Saturday about the unfortunate incident and assured their support for the crew and the relatives of the victim. The NZMYC is working closely with the police, Coastguard, and Yachting NZ in assisting with their inquiries, he added.
The authorities have initiated inquiries into the accident on behalf of the Coroner. At the accident’s occurrence, the Kokako Rescue boat was nearby and promptly arrived to aid the crew.
Ayden Armitage, a crew member of the Kokako’s volunteer Coastguard crew, stated that despite their quick response and utilizing a medical kit, including a defibrillator, they could not prevent the tragedy. The individual had unfortunately succumbed before they could provide any help.
