Talk:Peter Blake (sailor)

Name
His name looks wrong, should it not be 'Peter James Blake' in the right hand column? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 31.221.2.61 (talk) 10:19, 19 September 2014 (UTC)

Untitled
I'm reverting to the earlier version, without the "yucky red socks" commentary.

Equipoise 21:03, 20 July 2006 (UTC)

he considered his red socks

Wasn't the events surrounding his death also featured in a documentary film that followed Blake on his Amazon expedition? I seem to remember it being called "Murder on the Amazon River" or such.

He was a cool guy, a good man, a strong mind. He was a man of god.

Rock on red sox i got a pair when I woz about 8 and i still got them i wear them every america's cup! :)

Isn't calling his actions "a gross error in judgement" in itself a judgement, of the kind Wikipedia is supposed to avoid?

Opinion/editorial discussion of his death
Is it really necessary to have an opinion/editorial discussion of Blake's actions the night of his death? Blake was assaulted and he attempted to defend himself and his crew, but he was not successful. This is a fact. The following paragraph:

"It is a matter of tragic irony that the characteristics that made Blake such an outstanding sportsman—his aggression, single-mindedness and instinctive risk-taking—directly resulted in his death and the endangerment of his crew. Had he submitted as he had been repeatedly advised to do in the event of piracy, he would almost certainly be alive today. Piracy on the Amazon is an almost mundane occurance, over quickly and rarely fatal."

... is almost purely speculatory, and as such may not be NPOV. One could equally speculate that Blake, or members of his crew, could have been kidnapped for ransom, held hostage, or murdered outright. The bottom line is that nobody really knows what would have happened if he had acted differently. Finally, the real dangers of piracy that threaten yachtsmen and boaters are downplayed, and Blake is made out to be the provacateur instead of the victim. This is clearly not NPOV. Therefore, I suggest that this paragraph simply be removed.


 * Ok, I do agree. I reverted your edit before because you give no explanation on removing text from article. --Patrick-br 11:35, 10 November 2005 (UTC)


 * Thank you, sorry about the earlier change with no explanation.

--The current page borders on hagiography (the biography of a saint). An encyclopedia should tell it like it is/was. PB was without doubt a great sailor, who actions prompted a wave of public support rarely seen in NZ, but it has been suggested he also seemed adept at lining his pockets and his actions appear to have significantly contributed to his demise. If his actions did not appear to significantly contribute to his demise, then it should be noted that it has been frequently suggested or that controversy exists that his actions contributed to his demise. Jon.