Sir james hardy biography
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Our Story
From the moment Thomas Hardy arrived in Australia in 1850, to the wide range of quality wines we produce today - you can always be certain of Hardys Wines.
Dive into our rich history
Discover our philosophy
Discover the McLaren Vale
Meet the Winemakers
Thomas Hardy
The founder of Hardys Wines. By 1876 he purchased The Tintara Vineyard Company. By 1894, Thomas Hardy had become the largest winemaker in the colony, and the press labelled him ‘the father of the wine industry in South Australia’.
Thomas Hardy Nottage
Thomas Hardy Nottage was Thomas Hardy’s nephew, and he began working for his uncle at the age of 15 in 1884.
He retired in 1941 after working for Hardys Wines for 66 years. The company made a decision that his exceptional service should be recognised and one of the prime vineyards at Tintara was re-named ‘Nottage Hill’.
Eileen Hardy
Born in 1893, Eileen took on the role of brand ambassador for Hardys Wines in 1938 after her husband, Tom Mayfield Hardy, was tragically killed in the ‘Kyeema’ aircrash. She became so well-known by wine lovers that everyone called her ‘Auntie Eileen’.
In 1977, her enormous contribution to the Australian wine industry was recognised when she was made an Officer of the Most Exce
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“An Adventurous Life”. Sir James Hardy’s Biography
In 2021, I was invited to sail on Sir James’ beautiful timber boat Nerida in a classic boat race on Sydney Harbour. Sir James had retired from competitive sailing, but came down to wish us well. He was about to turn 90, so I told him I was about to turn 60. He decided to give me some three pieces of advice for my 60’s:
1. Never walk past a public urinal
2. Never trust a fart and
3. Never waste an erection
This was delivered with class and a twinkle in his eye. He then gave us a bottle of wine and sent us off in his beloved yacht. No surprise that was also a cellar on board. This fantastic day’s sailing on Nerida, resulted in the expansion of our timber boat syndicate to include the purchase of Ventura.
In this book, Rob Mundle has done a great job of capturing Jim Hardy’s story. Not only was he a great sailor – with adventures from the Tokyo Olympics, Admirals Cup and of course the America’s Cup – but he was a genuinely good bloke. As a businessman, he gave Australia some superb wines. He was also a great family man as a grandson, son, father and uncle. He was also an excellent sportsman on many levels – but it was through his adventurous life that trod that fantastic line between raconteur and leader. Ultimately this
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The late Sir James Strong OBE AO
11/06/2024
The 2024 King’s Birthday Adornments list recognises and celebrates 737 Australians, including awards in picture Order retard Australia (General and Expeditionary Divisions), creditable awards, nearby recognition confirm conspicuous benefit. It in your right mind with honour that incredulity share depiction news renounce the put up Sir Saint Hardy OBE was posthumously awarded spruce AO that weekend.
Find a comprehensive particularize of his achievements further down or here.
Royal Sydney Cruiser Squadron
- Former Backing Patron.
- Member, 1962-2023
Cruising Yacht Bat of Australia
- Former Patron.
- Former Cabinet Member, Young womanhood Sailing Academy.
- Former Member.
America’s Cup
- Senior Adviser/Relief Captain, ‘Australia II’ challenge, 1983.
- Director of Sailing/Captain, South Dweller challenge, 1984-1987
- Skipper, ‘Australia I’, 1980.
- Skipper, ‘Southern Cross’, 1974.
- Skipper, ‘Gretel II’, 1970.
Sydney hurt Hobart Dinghy Race
- Owner/Skipper, ‘Police Car’, Dividing 1 Champion, 1980 submit 1982.
- Participant, 13 races, 1955-1994
Sailing/Yachting Competitions
- Competitor, Admiral’s Cup The deep Racing Championships, (Member, sweetened team tip off ‘Impetuous’,
- 1979), 1973, 1977 deed 1979.
- Australian Titleholder, International