Iain Murray AM- of superyachts, sailing and the future of the sport

by Jeni Bone on 25 May 2009 From the time he was in trouble at school for doodling sketches of boats, Iain Murray AM, known affectionately in marine circles as “the big fella”, has been mad for yachting. At the recent Marine Industry luncheon on the Gold Coast, Murray spoke of his 40 years of sailing, achievements and dreams yet to be realised.

Murray may be best known to the public as the sailor who helped Alan Bond clinch the America's Cup victory for Australia at Rhode Island in 1983, but to the marine fraternity, his accolades and achievements go well beyond that and these days, include his life’s ambition of competing for Australia in an Olympic Games.

Ten times world champion, with celebrated success from the early 70s through until today – including 12 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races (a 1st place in 2001), winning the 1984 Etchells World Championship and taking part in four Americas Cups – Iain Murray AM, at 50, was the oldest Olympic debutant on the Australian team in Beijing last year, where he competed with partner Andrew Palfrey in the Star Class.

He has more than 40 years of experience under his belt, his competitive bent coming to the fore at age nine when he took up Flying Ant class at Middle Harbour.

Murray is Principal of one of the country’s most ambitious marine enterprises, Azzura Marine, the umbrella company for Azzura Yachts, Marten Yachts and Sydney Yacht brands.

In July last year, Azzura Marine acquired the former Australian Defence Industry facility at Carrington, Newcastle, which enables the company to undertake refit and repairs and commence its plans to build superyachts for international markets.

“Azzura Yachts is a brand we’ve been growing for a few years. It’s essentially a custom boat brand. Securing the site at Carrington will allow us to aggressively pursue opportunities on a global scale and gather momentum for the brand.

“We needed a water-based facility,” he continues. “We were finding that building 200ft boats on the Gold Coast was stretching capacity. I am a big fan of Newcastle too. In 1984 I took Americas Cup boats there. It’s a great deepwater port and a nice place, with the Hunter Valley just down the road and proximity to Sydney.”

Azzura’s new premises will result in an influx of work for the region’s labour force, and employment in the short term is expected to reach over 100 staff.

As well as deepwater access, the site boasts a swag of positive attributes, including 240m of wharf space, 900T lifting capacity, a large 120x45m single span construction hall and associated workshops.

According to Murray, the main focus at Carrington will be design and construction of superyachts, combined with marketing the location as ideal for visiting superyachts to stop for refits and repairs.

“The global market demand for the construction and refit/repair of superyachts has flourished over the recent years however growth of this market in Australia has been restricted by the lack of suitable shipyards. Azzura Marine expects to position the Newcastle precinct as an internationally recognisable hub for superyachts.”

Despite the dismal economic climate, impacting on most of the world’s markets, Murray is confident the superyacht industry will prevail.

He admits that only time will tell if the industry is recession-proof, but overall, “people who are the main clients for superyachts are people with a great deal of means”.

Commenting on the recent receivership of Riviera Boats, Murray laments that an icon brand like Riviera which has “represented Australia very well in foreign markets”, should fall victim to tough economic times.

“It is a shame, but it’s a strong brand and Australian boats are received very well all around the world. It’s a pity Australian boat builders haven’t grouped together like the New Zealanders. ‘Brand New Zealand’ has a 25 year advantage of working together. They have a high sailing population – it’s a real sailing culture and kiwis are formidable entrepreneurs. They have had a running start. Plus, the marine industry has been the focus of government investment for more than a decade.”

Fundamental to getting the Azzura brand to international markets will be attending the main superyacht boat shows: Ft Lauderdale, Monaco, Dubai, but word of mouth will be crucial to raising its profile.

What Azzura is offering, Murray explains, is “European service and quality at an Australian price”.

“We will design to owners’ specifications but all our boats are characterised by quality and some degree of retro styling.”

All yards are equipped with in-house designers, which Murray says will undertake many versions of plans for a vessel prior to completion. “Owners bring us the big picture concept and we will carry out more than 1000 of our own drawings. Superyachts are like small cities. They require massive man hours and skills and two years at least to build. It’s a major commitment on both the part of the owner and the builder.”

Azzura Marine is concurrently involved in redeveloping the former State Dockyard at Dyke Point, also in Newcastle, and has two other boat building facilities in Australia – Nowra and the Gold Coast – producing a range of high quality motor and sailing vessels under the Marten Yacht and Sydney Yacht brands. The company has recently relocated its head office to the Spit, Middle Harbour in Sydney, placing it in the heart of boating territory.

The new waterfront premises offer increased visibility and marina capacity within a broader marine precinct, where Azzura aims to expand its brokerage and sales functions.

As if all that were not enough, Murray is also Commodore at the newly founded Hamilton Island Yacht Club, involved in its activities including Hamilton Island Race Week (August 22-29).

Adding yet another string to his well endowed bow, Murray is also immersed in property development, also in his blood, via his company Murlan. His property career began even before his interests in marine exploits, as his mother's family began the first real estate agency in Manly, Sydney. Along with developments in aged care, marinas, childcare and hotels, his company was responsible for the design the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, which owner and fellow yachtsman, Bob Oatley says will rival the best in the world.

But back to sailing. Murray believes that the strength of Australian sailing and the entire marine industry rests on its investment in youth.

“Juniors and the grass roots level of our sport, and recreational boating, will be fundamental to growth in all areas,” he says. “Sailing competitions at club level, regattas, family holidays and weekends on the water. It’s important we make opportunities that will foster kids’ interest and guide them through the ranks to either great career opportunities or as a recreational and leisure pursuit.”

His three daughters, all of whom enjoyed a spot of sailing as kids, had their passion ignited watching their dad compete in Beijing. “I can truly say that it’s the greatest thing to see them out there competing. Makes me a very proud old man.”

While he has plenty to contemplate and many proud moments to relive, Murray is evolving Azzura yet again. In the most recent development for his company, he has just revealed that Azzura Marine has signed a deal with Performance Yachts UK to build its PY-115 model and its new flagship, the PY-125, at its Newcastle facility just north of Sydney. The announcement will be made official in Monaco in September where Performance Yachts will also unveil its full 2010 range.

Designed by Bill Dixon and his team at Dixon Yacht Design, the PY-125 is a fast cruising yacht that can compete with the best at superyacht regattas.
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