Having seen it all in the America’s Cup from both sides, Iain Murray offers insight to officiating in this great event.

Iain Murray started his sailing in a Flying Ant and went on to dominate Sydney’s competitive skiff scene, compete in the Olympics and the America’s Cup, and win many World Championship events. Few Australian sailors have this resume, and Iain backs it up with running the America’s Cup several times over.

Iain’s experience took him into the race management side of things in the 34th America’s Cup in 2013 as its Regatta Director. Things have changed since Iain started racing in the Cup, with him saying “We pioneered on water umpiring when Dennis Connor and I raced on Sydney Harbour in 1989. The next step was the high resolution GPS tracking, and then the use in AC34 for race management and umpiring.”

Juries were a necessary but frustrating part of the Cup when Iain was competing. The sailors from that time found it difficult having races decided after the event. However, the technology today is more accurate and efficient. The race management Iain oversees today has gained enormously in the ability to turn races around at an accurate level and eliminate recalls, redress or disputed outcomes.

Cup sailors are already extremely professional and work closely with race management to form the rules and parameters in a sensible framework. The increased accuracy from the technology also helps by changing the relationship between the race management and the Cup’s sailors. Since Iain has been involved the race management team has been an independent island that the teams and sailors have respected.

Now having been on both sides of the game, competing and race management, Iain advises race officials to “make efficient use of racing times to allow competitors ‘other time’ in the day. In the modern day, time has become the most valuable ingredient to owners and getting regular crews. In normal sailing the greatest frustration is the time taken to achieve racing.”

Other advice from Iain for race officials is on gaining sailors’ respect. Be “honest, fair and consistent, and transparent.” Simple guidance that will work at all levels of the sport.

Looking back in time Iain would advise a younger self to “live every moment and make the most of every opportunity. Don’t wait for the game to come to you.” But asked about the future? Iain wants to go foiling.