Olympian and wine icon Sir James Hardy has died in Adelaide, aged 90

Olympic yachting icon, America’s Cup skipper and winemaker Sir James Hardy is being remembered as an “extraordinary individual and renowned sailor” after dying at the age of 90.

Sir James Hardy speaks to the media at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in 2019. Picture: AAP / Joel Carrett

South Australian yachting icon and winemaker Sir James Hardy has died in Adelaide, aged 90.

The former America’s Cup skipper and Australian Olympian passed away peacefully on Thursday.

He is survived by his wife Joan, sister Pamela, and sons David and Richard.

A giant of the sailing world, Sir James represented Australia twice as an Olympian – first at the Tokyo 1964 Games and four years later at the Mexico Olympics and also took competed in 13 Sydney-to-Hobart races.

He then became skipper of Sir Frank Packer’s 1970 America’s Cup challenge where Gretel II won two races and lost another after a protest.

In 1983, Sir James was also a part of Australian sailing’s greatest moment in the sport when Australia II claimed the America’s Cup for the first time. He was an adviser to skipper John Bertrand and Alan Bond.

Sir James Hardy and Lady Joan Hardy.

Sir James Hardy with the America’s Cup trophy after its unveiling at the Art Gallery of SA in 1984.

Sir James Hardy toasts his new champagne, 1989.

When he was 21, Sir James joined the family wine company Thomas Hardy and Sons in 1953, working as a shipping clerk. He was appointed chairman in 1981 and non-executive director in 1992 when it merged to become BRL Hardy Wine Company.

A statement, released by Accolade Wines, said they were “deeply saddened” to hear the news that Sir James had died.

“Sir James joined the company in 1953 and he remained a devoted brand ambassador for Hardys right up until this year,” it said.

The statement went on to reflect on a recent visit Sir Hardy made to the Sydney office, saying it was “recalled fondly” by the team.

“His charm, wit and flair for telling a great yarn were undiminished,” it said.

“We would like to honour his immeasurable contribution to the Australian wine industry and for faithfully continuing the legacy of Hardys Wines.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas led the tributes online, saying Sir James made a “significant contribution” to the state and his country through “his philanthropy, his work in the wine industry and his love of yachting”.

Former Premier Steven Marshall said Sir James was a “fabulous” South Australian.

“Sincere condolences to Lady Hardy and all his family. Vale ‘Gentleman Jim’”, he tweeted.

Born in Seacliff and schooled at St Peter’s College, Sir James was a prolific winner of ocean races, skippering “Police Car” to victory in the 1980 Sydney to Hobart Race, as well as

being helmsman aboard “Impeteous” on the way to winning the 1979 Admiral’s Cup.

Sir James was also awarded an OBE and a Knight Bachelor for services to yachting and the community.

Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club released a statement on Thursday afternoon calling Sir James “a true legend”.

Sir James Hardy at Southport Yacht Club.

Sir James Hardy in a hot-air balloon, 1000 feet over Seppeltsfield vineyard in the Barossa, 1993. .

“Today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual whose passion for sailing and unwavering dedication to our community touched the lives of so many,” the statement read.

Sir James and Lady Joan Hardy in 2004.

“Sir James Hardy’s legacy as a renowned sailor and philanthropist will forever be etched in our memories.

“His relentless pursuit of excellence and his contributions to the sport have left an incredible mark on our club and the wider yachting world.”

The statement went on to say Sir Hardy helped to transform the club into “a vibrant hub where dreams took flight and lifelong friendships were forged”.

Australian Sailing President Alistair Murray AM paid tribute to Sir James on Thursday saying he was an inspiration to a generation of Australian sailors.

“There will never be another Sir James,” he said. “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.”

Sir James Hardy was also inducted the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 1994.