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Yachting New Zealand was saddened to learn of the passing of Leslie Rogerson, who last year received recognition at the Volvo Yachting New Zealand Excellence Awards.
Les was awarded a 2016 Yachting New Zealand service award to recognise his contribution to the Southland Yachting Association and Wakatipu Yacht Club. His association with sailing started more than 70 years ago and, among that time, he clocked up an impressive 30 years of service as treasurer of the Southland Yachting Association. He was also a patron of the association and Bluff’s Green Point Yacht Club and life member of the Wakatipu Yacht Club.
(Les Rogerson, left, receives his 2016 Yachting New Zealand service award from Yachting New Zealand president Ray Haslar.)
He was one of the founders of the Bluff to Stewart Island race and was heavily involved in the Donald Hay race from Kingston to Queenstown. Les, who was known for his delightful sense of humour, stopped active sailing in his mid-80s but was still involved in race management until recently.
Les' funeral was held in Arrowtown on Friday. He was 90.
