Yachting legend loses battle

Australian yachting legend and Olympic gold medallist Peter O'Donnell has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

The 68-year-old, who was Australia's inaugural yachting Olympic champion at the 1964 Tokyo Games, became one of the country's most decorated sailors collecting several national and international titles throughout a long and illustrious career.

O'Donnell's achievements included sailing aboard 'Gretel' in Australia's first challenge for the America's Cup in 1962 and being awarded the prestigious title of 'Australian Yachtsman of the Year' in 1980.

"POD", as he was affectionately known, also sailed in the first of his many Sydney to Hobart races aboard the winning yacht 'Siandra' in 1958, and in 1987 skippered 'Sovereign' for the ultimate double winning both line and handicap honours.

Close friend and fellow Olympic and America’s Cup yachtsman Robert Thornton said O'Donnell was one of the true legends of Australian sport.

"Pod was one of the great pioneers of Australian yachting," Thornton said.

"He didn’t need a gold medal to prove what a champion he was – his incredible natural ability and humble approach to his sport commanded the respect of both his friends and opponents alike."

O’Donnell is survived by his wife Barbara, children Lisa, Michelle and David and their families including his six grandchildren.