The owner of 35 metre sailing yacht Sojana, Sir Peter Harrison, has died at the age of 84, an official statement from the Peter Harrison foundation has confirmed.
The British businessman first started sailing around the UK when he was 15 and began designing Sojana – which was named after his three grandchildren – in 1999.
The superyacht was eventually delivered in 2003 and Harrison owned her until his death. He was always on board as she competed in various regattas, including the Antigua Sailing Week – his personal favourite – and the Porto Cervo regatta.
The Peter Harrison Foundation, which was founded in 1999 to help disadvantaged and disabled young people through sport, stated: “Peter Harrison died peacefully at home in Reigate on the evening of Friday, June 18. A passionate sports fan all his life he was watching an international football match on television at the time.”
Tributes to the sailing yacht owner have also been paid by The National Parks Authority in Antigua and Barbuda, the country from which Harrison received a knighthood in 2013 for his philanthropic efforts.
“Sir Peter was a major contributor to this country’s development,” said parks commissioner Ann Marie Martin. “Clarence House remains a living testament of his love not only for English Harbour but for Antigua and Barbuda. He will be sadly missed by all of us."