Murray to head Australia at America's Cup

America's Cup veteran Iain Murray was Thursday recruited to head up Team Australia's challenge in the 35th edition of sailing's most celebrated contest. Murray is an old hand when it comes to Australian challenges and was the chief executive and regatta director of the last America's Cup, won by the United States who staged a sensational comeback to beat New Zealand. Winemaker Bob Oatley, whose Hamilton Island Yacht Club is the Challenger of Record to current holders Oracle Team USA for the next event, said Murray was the only man for the job. "Iain knows what it takes to win an America's Cup," Oatley said in a statement. "I have a huge amount of respect for him and we're overjoyed to be able to officially announce his appointment as leader of our great challenge." Being the Challenger of Record means the Hamilton Island club has the right to work with the Golden Gate Yacht Club and set the laws of the next Cup regatta, while representing all other challengers in dealings with Oracle Team USA. The Australian entry, however, will have to triumph in a challenger series before they can contest for the America's Cup, at a date yet to be decided. Murray, 55, will be responsible for helping determine the rules, venue and boats used in the next race, as well as heading up the Australian entry.