Iain Murray rumored as America’s Cup regatta director

Australian America’s Cup stalwart Iain Murray is set to step into the crucial role of regatta director for the 2017 edition to be hosted by Bermuda and will face an immediate challenge.

The new director was expected to be named on Tuesday (Dec. 2) when Bermuda was unveiled as the venue for the 35th edition of sport’s oldest trophy. But America’s Cup Commissioner Dr Harvey Schiller said that while a selection had been made final touches to the contract were being completed that prevented the director being named.

Fairfax Media understands that man is Murray, the former America’s Cup sailor who was regatta director for the last event in San Francisco.

Murray stepped aside from that role to head Australia’s surprise challenge for the next cup when his Hamilton Island Yacht Club was appointed as Challenger of Record. When they withdrew in July, citing financial reasons and frustrations with the process, Murray was freed up to be approached for this broader role. – FULL REPORT