Jock Sturrock (1915–1997) was skipper of Gretel, the first Australian American’s Cup challenger in 1962 and was named Australian of the Year for his ‘plucky attempt’, his ‘modest and manly bearing’ and the ‘sporting spirit’ in which he and his crew accepted defeat. Sir Frank Packer headed the syndicate that funded this challenge, which signified Australia’s first foray into international yacht racing.
Sturrock came from a yachting family with a swag of winnings behind him; he had represented Australia in four Olympic Games, gaining a bronze medal in the 1956 Melbourne Games, and had won more than 20 Australian Yachting Championships. He skippered the unsuccessful Australian challenger Dame Pattie in the 1967 America’s Cup. Sturrock was awarded the inaugural Yachtsman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year in 1962, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1975 for services to yachting; he was inducted into the Sportsman’s Hall of Fame in 1985 and recognised as a Legend of Australian Sport in 1994. Representing Australia in the ocean racing Admiral’s Cup and the Kenwood Cup, he managed two successful campaigns for the ‘Little America’s Cup’, completing 11 Sydney to Hobart races. He was also successful in business, managing the family company, Alexander Sturrock and Sons.
