Sailor Chris Packer, a friend of murdered New Zealand yachting legend Sir Peter Blake and winner of top races on both sides of the Tasman, is reported to be fighting for his life after a heart attack.
The 53-year-old is said to have suffered a heart attack while playing golfa week ago.
His brother, Tony, confirmed he was in a coma.
Born in Cape Town, Packer was educated in Perth and came to New Zealand in 1983.
During the 1980s and 90s he owned and raced the 16m Starlight Express, one of New Zealand's most celebrated ocean racers.
He also turned Southern Spars into the world's biggest mastmaker.
Last year, he was jailed for three months in Bali for failing to declare weapons.
