One of the most respected and decorated keelboat sailors in the world, Murray Jones is also a member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. The “Captain” was inducted in September 2010 for winning four consecutive America’s Cup matches from 1995 to 2007, including 20 of 22 races.
Murray’s sailing career began as a youngster when he competed in three Youth World championships in the 1970s. Murray campaigned one-designs such as the 470 and Flying Dutchman from the late 70s into the early 90s, and represented New Zealand at the Olympic Regatta in 1988 and ’92.
Murray is one of the cleverest thinkers in professional yacht racing. Through the years he’s helped develop revolutionary rigging techniques, while also pioneering the new position of wind spotter aloft in the rig.
Murray was one of the sailing team members who contributed design input to the AC45, the new catamaran developed for the America’s Cup World Series beginning in July 2011.
“The wingsails look spectacular,” says Murray. “They’re different and give a lot more control than soft sails. It’ll be interesting to see how people develop their starting and racing technique using the wingsail, because I think there’s more flexibility using the wing.”
Career Highlights
2011
- America’s Cup World Series San Diego Match Racing Championship, 6th place
- America’s Cup World Series San Diego Fleet Racing Championship, 9th place
- America’s Cup World Series Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship, 3rd place
- America’s Cup World Series Plymouth Match Racing Championship, 4th place
- America’s Cup World Series Cascais Match Racing Championship, 5th place
- America’s Cup World Series Cascais Fleet Racing Championship, 4th place
2010:
- Joins ORACLE TEAM USA (May)
- 33rd America’s Cup, Alinghi, finalist
2007:
- 32nd America’s Cup, Alinghi, winner
2003:
- 31st America’s Cup, Alinghi, winner
- Louis Vuitton Cup, Alinghi, winner
2000:
- 30th America’s Cup, Team New Zealand, winner
1995:
- 29th America’s Cup, Team New Zealand, winner
- Louis Vuitton Cup, Team New Zealand, winner