We recently learned of the untimely passing of Johan Blach Petersen; a true gentleman and supporter of the International Twelve Metre Class. Johan was the owner / skipper of Kiwi Magic (KZ-7); he and his team of family and friends actively campaigned throughout Northern and Southern European 12mR fleets, and raced in Newport (RI) at the 12mR Worlds. ITMA officers and members remember him...
In Recognition of Johan Blach Petersen, Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) Owner
April 13, 2024
Dear Members, Friends & Supporters of the 12mR Class;
We recently learned of the untimely passing of Johan Blach Petersen; a true gentleman and supporter of the International Twelve Metre Class. Johan was the owner / skipper of Kiwi Magic (KZ-7); he and his team of family and friends actively campaigned throughout Northern and Southern European 12mR fleets, and raced in Newport (RI) at the 12mR Worlds. ITMA officers and members remember him…
- “I am very sorry to hear of Johan’s passing. He brought a lot to the Class and was a big help in promoting the Grand Prix Division. This is a loss to all who knew him.” ~ Chris Winter, ITMA President
- “Johan was a very good friend and a great contributor to the 12mR Class! We will not forget him in the Baltic Fleet.” ~ Patrick Howaldt, ITMA VP, Northern Europe
- “Johan will be missed by all12mR sailors. Our deep sympathy is with his family and friends. Sail in peace Johan…” ~ Bernard Minvielle, ITMA VP, Southern Europe
I can still vividly remember our neck-to-neck races in September and October… it feels like it was just yesterday. ~ Christophe Babule, French Kiss (F-7)
- “We, all the French Kiss (F-7) and South Australia (KA-8) teams, are very sad to learn that Johan left us few days ago. This is a picture I love: our beautiful boats competing on the Med. And Johan always fiercely defending his leadership. Wanted to share this image, as a reward of all the joy I had sailing against him. We lost a gentleman sailor, a true passionate of 12mR.” ~ Christophe Babule (F-7 & KA-8)
As a very active racing owner / skipper of Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), Johan had recently accepted an appointment as volunteer Divisional Representative for the Grand Prix fleet. Although technically a member of the N. European fleet, he had most recently been instrumental in the promotion and revitalization of the GP Division in the Mediterranean; Johan was a true International 12mR Class sailor.
Johan and his exuberant crew of family and friends were excited to be racing in Newport at the 2019 12mR Worlds. Down to their neon yellow 12mR socks, they brought a contagious positive energy to the Championship. ~ SallyAnne Santos
Johan Blach Petersen at the helm of Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), racing with family & friends, competing alongside the best in the world.
Our first meeting was over pints and under a cast-off KZ-7 bow at the Fastnet Pub in Newport, RI. ~ SAS
Johan and I continued to correspond regularly throughout the last 5 years, he thoughtfully provided race updates and photos for us to share on our 12mR channels. Just a few days before his passing we were corresponding about his Divisional Rep bio and headshot. He was so proud to be a 12mR sailor, he asked that I not crop the 12mR insignia on his sleeve when formatting his headshot to fit the layout.
Today, we are fortunate to have his own words and hand-selected headshot to share here:
After a career in powerboat racing in the 70s winning the Danish championship in the fastest class, Johan converted to wind power. He was a very active owner of Miss BB, a Børresen BB 10m.
During the 1983 and 1987 America’s Cups, his interest in match racing grew. Johan was a great fan of Chris Dickson and his crew on Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), who after a very successful campaign lost out to Dennis Conner in 1987.
From the late 80s Johan was very active in Match Racing and was a co-founder of Marselisborg Match Race Center operating 4 DS 37ft match racers.
In 2016 Johan purchased Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), brought her to Denmark and has raced her in the Baltics with a crew of family and friends ever since. In 2022, he brought KZ-7 to the South of France in order to compete with the growing fleet of Grand Prix 12mRs in the Med throughout the 2024 Championship season.– JBP
On behalf of the entire ITMA team and Membership, we mourn his loss. We are told that the Blach family will continue to campaign Kiwi Magic‘s (KZ-7) at the 2024 12mR World Championship, because his son Christoffer said—“that is what he would have wanted.”
Fair Winds to our friend, Johan Blach Petersen– a true gentleman, fierce competitor and generous spirit. We are all better for having known you.
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