Sturrocks’ Ship Chandlery celebrates 30 years

by Jeni Bone on 15 Sep 2009 The brothers Sturrock, John and Doug, began their “famous ship chandlery” business in 1979, first setting up shop in Birkenhead Point followed a year later at d’Albora Marinas Rushcutters Bay.

Boating was in their blood, and they cut their teeth sailing on their father’s timber 37ft sloop ,‘Eudoria’. As they grew, they became increasingly involved in ocean racing, competing in Championships and an assortment of Regattas.

So it was a logical step for them to venture into a marine related business. The idea of selling top quality marine products to the Sydney’s boating fraternity had instant appeal. Middle brother, David also had hands on involvement in the early stages, making it a real family business.

Sturrocks’ reputation quickly grew as suppliers of quality products and they began to operate slipways and workshops at Rushcutters Bay and Balmain. What made their business unique and certainly propelled its success, was the emphasis on old-style personal service and a genuine connection with their customers.

The business in Rushcutters Bay prospered and grew. The Birkenhead store was sold in 1991 along with the slipways and workshops. It was decided to focus on a single location – Rushcutters Bay, the heart of Sydney’s ocean racing fleet.
Sturrocks’ was now recognized as one of Sydney’s premier chandleries and was awarded the rights to supply the yachting competitors for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Chosen for their expertise as well as their quality products, the Sturrocks team is composed of keen sailors, knowledgeable in all things nautical.

Today, Sturrocks stocks rigging and stainless steel, plumbing, electrical and hardware for racing and cruising yachts and motor cruisers, men’s and women’s apparel from casual to high-tech racing gear, shoes and boots, clocks, watches and barometers, electronics, epirbs and harnesses, sunglasses, gear bags, caps, hats, gloves and accessories. There are children’s safety floatation jackets and junior racing suits, as well as flags and pennants, paint and varnishes.

And as Doug says, justifiably proud: “If we haven’t got what you need on the shelves, we can get it in for you and usually the next day.”
Owners John and Doug are still very much hands-on in the business and on the water. Both are passionate boaties and can be seen out on the harbour racing their classic yachts.

Four years ago, John established Sturrock’s Boatique in Mosman, which is managed by nephew Evan Sturrock.

The “famous” attached itself to their title by default as every second customer asked if they were related the Olympic and America’s Cup yachtsman Jock Sturrock, which in fact they (distantly) are.

So raise your glasses to the Sturrocks’ 30 year anniversary. Here’s to many, many more nautical miles in the business.

More at www.sturrocks.com.au or Tel: (02) 9363 1939.