Blair Cochrane

Blair Cochrane’s entry in the 8-metre class at the 1908 Olympics was something of a family affair. Both he and crew member John Rhodes were married to daughters of Sir Richard Sutton, Bt. while Sir Richard’s son Henry was also a crew member. The 54-year-old Cochrane entered Cobweb from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, which assisted with the organization of the Olympic Regatta at Cowes. As chairman of the club committee, Cochrane was not only involved in the racing but also in the administration of the Olympic program. He was the Rear Commodore of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club from 1909 to 1913 and after war service as a captain in the Royal Horse Artillery he was awarded the OBE in 1919. He lived on the Isle of Wight for many years and served as a Deputy Sheriff of Hampshire.