Remembering Murray Philpott

Above: photo of Murray I took at Punta Ala. –  I read the news of Murray passing away but I wanted to publish a due post, not only the hard news. He passed away after a crash flying in his Glider past week. I didn´t knew him personally and only have a short but encouraging mail from him. But without knowing him and just seeing his lifestyle on being head of the NZ A-Class Association, or been involved in the design of super custom LR6 he raced at Punta Ala (check pic below) , or the way he left us plus all the friends he had say a lot of Murray Philpott.

There is a drive that many of us have to feel that gliding sensation, being on the water, on waves, snow or literally flying a Glider (purest gliding experience of them all) as Murray pursued in the last period. I believe that inner force is in our genes, and those who are able to discover or unchain that intrinsic part of our beings are truly privileged.

His family & friends will miss him much, plenty left for Murray to experience and share, but people need to remember he did what he loved.
Fair Winds Murray and keep Gliding & Sailing up there.

Below I asked to some IACA officials that knew him to write some words on Murray Philpott, Graeme Harbour had prepared a letter to be published at the Class web www.a-cat.org and he also sent it to be published here:
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“The International A Class Association is deeply saddened by the death of New Zealand A Class sailor Murray Philpott in a tragic gliding accident on the 6th February.

Murray was an active long time A Class sailor for over 25 years and a regular competitor at World, European, New Zealand and Australian Championships. He was a fierce competitor who excelled in heavier weather and five top ten results at World Championships and ten National titles in New Zealand over his A Class sailing career pay testament to his ability.

He was an innovator and always looking for improvements. His latest boat in which Murray played a big part in design and construction attracted a lot of attention at the Punta Ala Worlds.
Murray was known, respected and admired by sailors from all parts of the world. His deep knowledge of the sport was guidance to all levels of sailors, from club racers to Olympic sailors and Americas Cup contenders.

He gave his knowledge happily and openly to all that sought his council.
As an active long time IACA and Technical Committee member Murray was instrumental in framing the guidelines we operate under today and could always be relied on to offer sound advise on the many issues faced by the class.

A devoted husband to one of the worlds best trolley dollies Christine and loving father to son Daniel and his two beautiful daughters Gabriel & Georgia.
In recent years one of Murray’s greatest pleasures was racing Daniel in the A Class fleet, he was secretly becoming more and more concerned that Daniel was increasingly at the finish before him.

Murray, you will be sadly missed by all and you can take comfort in knowing that the whole A Class fraternity is here to care and look after your family”

Graeme Harbour
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