A major Sir Peter Blake tribute is to be dedicated to the man who spent his latter years living in Emsworth with his wife and two children.

It will take the form of an exhibition at the New Zealand National Maritime Museum celebrating Sir Peter's life which will consist of a number of sections.

Each will tell the story of a particular aspect of his life - the early years, his role as sportsman and leader, the Whitbread Round the World Races, America's Cup story, Sir Peter the explorer and environmentalist . . . and so on.

Winning the America's Cup on NZL 32, Black Magic, in 1995 against Cayard on Young America and then defending it in New Zealand in 2000 will be a feature of the exhibition through the display of NZL 32 Black Magic in a purpose built 'display case' over the water adjacent to the maritime museum.

The tribute is being developed by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) and the New Zealand National Maritime Museum.

The total cost of the project is estimated at NZD $10m and the fundraising campaign has got off to a good start with the announcement of a $2.5m grant from the NZ government and a $2m grant from the Auckland city coffers.

It is anticipated that the exhibition will be opened by the end of 2005.