Caltex-Sun Trophy for 'NSW Sports Star Finalist' awarded to Iain Murray
Date1981
Object number00001502
NameTrophy
MediumMetal, wood.
DimensionsOverall: 330 x 110 x 110 mm, 0.6 kg
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Iain and Alex Murray
DescriptionThis chrome-plated Caltex-Sun trophy was awarded to champion skiff and America's Cup sailor Iain Murray in 1981.HistoryIain Murray (b 1958) is best known for winning six consecutive 18-foot skiff world titles between 1977 and 1982. This led to an invitation to participate in the 1983 America's Cup, steering Syd Fischer's ADVANCE. In the end, Ben Lexcen's design, AUSTRALIA II, went on to win the Cup. Five years later, Murray became part of Kevin Parry's KOOKABURRA syndicate. He co-designed and skippered the yachts, however, they lost the Cup to American challengers DENNIS CONNER and STARS AND STRIPES 87. Murray won Australian Yachtsman of the Year in 1985, and in 1992 he was awarded an Order of Australia medal for his service to sailing and yacht design. In 2008, Murray achieved 14th place in the Star Class event at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Regattas were central to competitive boating and community celebration in the 19th century, and functioned as a social and sporting occasion as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events, usually for both professional watermen and amateurs. The regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment in Sydney. Sites around the foreshore provided a place for spectators to gather and have picnics, while night time entertainment was provided with dances and recitals.
The museum's collection holds a range of artefacts that display the popularity and cultural significance of the regatta. The collection includes trophies and other memorabilia. This trophy was awarded to champion 18-foot skiff sailor Iain Murray in 1981, as a 'NSW Sports Star Finalist'.
SignificanceThis trophy is one of many examples in the museum's collection that display the popularity and cultural significance of the regatta. It was awarded to champion 18-foot skiff and America's Cup sailor, Iain Murray in 1981.
