Alexander's Story
1915 – 1997
Australia’s first Olympic sailors were Alexander ‘Jock’ Sturrock, with Len Fenton, in the Star class, and Robert French in the Fireflies, in London in 1948. As well as being the skipper of his boat Sturrock doubled up to be the section manager of the yachting contingent at London. Australia’s first sailing medals were won in Melbourne in 1956 with Rolly Tasker, with John Scott, finishing second in the Sharpies, and Sturrock, with Dev Mytton and Doug Buxton, winning a bronze medal in the 5.5-Metre class. Sturrock, who also competed at Helsinki 1952, was to go on to carry the Australian flag at the Opening Ceremony at Rome 1960 and then skipper the Sir Frank Packer-financed Gretel in Australia’s first audacious challenge for the America’s Cup in 1962.
In 1962, Australia challenged for the America's Cup. Sturrock skippered the Australian challenger, Gretel, but was beaten four races to 1. In 1963 he was awarded Australian of the Year.
