Morris Finance Ltd CEO Ian Murray has been appointed Chairman of the Festival of Sails Comittee for 2012.

The Festival of Sails attracts over 450 yachts and 4500 competitors from around the world to compete in Melbourne and Geelong over the Australia Day holiday period. It is a fabulous event for sailors, yachting enthusiasts and festival goers alike. First held in 1844, the Festival of Sails Regatta is one of the nation’s oldest sporting events, and has evolved over many years culminating in its current position as the foremost competitive keelboat regatta in Australia. In the past years the event has be known as Skandia race week and Audi Race week.

Ian has been an active member of sailing and the RGYC since 1991, holding prestigious positions in the club including Board Member, Treasurer and has recently been appointed Vice Commodore.

With over 25 years of sailing, the sport has become a top priority for Ian. He has competed in the Sydney 38 Division one class for the past five festivals, winning the event twice and coming second and third on two other occasions. “I have a love for the sport and now put a lot of my time into the RGYC after winning the Sydney 38 division in the Sydney to Hobart in 2009” Ian Murray said. “It’s all about developing the young sailors these days and anything we can do to assist their development is a benefit to the sport”.

Ian is very excited about his recent appointment and the challenges ahead of him. In view of the current Global Financial situation it will be hard to retain and attract new sponsorship however this will ensure the Regatta is bigger and better in 2012, securing it as the Largest Sailing Regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

For more information on the festival of sails visit http://www.victoriaweek.com.au