Iain 'Big Fella' Murray's at JJ Giltinan 2015

by Pressure-drop.us on 14 Feb 2015 The Big Man, Iain Murray set the standard in the 18's starting in 1977 with six straight victories in the JJ Giltinans. He now coaches Seve Jarvin's Gotta Love It 7, which rolled off six wins in seven years starting in 2008. Iain is the go to guy in Sydney Harbor and earlier this season, the sole US entry, Howie Hamlin, the only American to ever win the Holy Grail of the skiff world in 2002 and 2003 sought guidance from the master.

The two have been long time friends who met at the 1988 5o5 Worlds in Sydney. We asked Iain to give us some insight onto the status of the current design thoughts, the Godfather of US 18's Howie Hamlin, and what might transpire this go round and in the future of the Skiffs!

Murray spoke with Erik Simonson of www.pressure-drop.us

How long have you two know each other?
IM: 27 years

When and where did you first sail against each other?
IM: 1988 505 Worlds

Iain, could you describe Howie's infectious desire to promote the US Fleet of 18’s?

IM: Marathon runner in all forms of sailing. Howie loves anything that goes fast and has some science to solve. His time for others in fleets he sails in is well documented.

Iain, you have been involved with the 18's since Noah first made one to sail on Sydney Harbor, can you note some of the major mile stones you have witnessed in your days with the 18’s?
IM: Plywood to carbon boats, racks and the rig technology with carbon spars and composite sails!

The 18's are constantly evolving, and just when you think they have reached the pinnacle, a new twist or tweak pushes them further, what area's can you see them add even more speed/control?
IM: Obvious area is some foil assist whether its rudder like the 14's or both foils and then some subsequent rig development as apparent wind angle sailing changes rigging requirements.

The Int 14's do have some pretty amazing rudder technology going on, do you ever see that getting into the 18’s?
IM: Maybe

Howie flew over back in January to do some boat testing with you, without giving away any secrets, what secret stuff were you working on?

IM: No secrets, just trying to get fundamentals correct and detail the boat well.

How close to 7's rigging, hull and sails are Howie's gear?
IM: second rig is the same. Big rig has different mast but same molded sails

Can he and crew upset Jarvin's quest to eclipse you record for JJ titles which he tied last year?
IM: Stay tuned!

Just how good are Seve and crew on 7?
IM: They are comfortable in the boat, but the competition has gotten much stronger across the park

What is it that is separating them from other boats?
IM: Same crew for years and they are all good, mature sailors


Success in the 18's can translate to many other platforms, but Seve had a bit of tough go with the Extreme 40's, Can't imagine it has anything to do with sailing in tight quarters, what would you estimate is holding the crew back?
IM: Experience in cats, he is much improved for this year with a full season under his belt.

Howie is a pretty tidy organized fellow, have you ever managed to get him to let loose, put his feet up on the davenport, crack open a cold one and watch some Football?
IM: Nah, no beer in this house!!

Thanks Iain...

Some side by side view of Hamlin's rig and Seve's:

A quick catch up with 'Team America' at the JJ's post practice race.

We covered topics from Skip's 20 pound weight gain, to Daniel being a work horse, and just why they all keep returning to sail the JJ's on Sydney Harbour.