New chair appointed for heritage trawler Vigilance of Brixham’s trust

Rob Murray, a seasoned business leader and sailor, has been appointed chair of the trust overseeing Vigilance of Brixham, with plans to guide the heritage trawler towards a secure, self-funding future

The trust which owns Vigilance of Brixham, the heritage sailing trawler, has appointed a new chair.

Rob Murray joins the board of trustees, bringing his substantial business experience to the volunteer organisation.

Mr Murray, 60, said: “I’m very excited. The trustees and other volunteers have done an amazing job saving Vigilance of Brixham and it is a real privilege to be able to take the helm for the next stage of her life as she starts to earn her keep again.”

Launched in 1926, Vigilance was the last of the big sailing trawlers built at the famous Upham shipyard in Brixham.

She is now owned and operated by Friends of Vigilance, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which is run entirely by local volunteers.

Mr Murray has had a long career in the commercial world and joins the board at an exciting time in Vigilance’s future.

“I have had a successful career in marketing, general management and leadership both in the corporate world and in entrepreneurial start-ups. My commercial skills will help us build a strategic plan which ensures Vigilance has a secure, self-funding future,” he said.

The boat has received more than £1 million in grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund and is currently undergoing a substantial refit at the Stirling and Son shipyard in Plymouth. She is expected to return to Brixham next year, in time to celebrate her centenary.

Mr Murray is a keen sailor and he says the position with the trust will combine his love of sailing with his business background. Mr Murray was marketing director for buildings materials supplier Wickes and prior to that held senior marketing positions with Nestle, Johnson and Johnson and Associated British Foods.

He founded Mobile Porsche Specialists Ltd in 2018 which he is expanding into a national enterprise. He has a home in Goodrington and is married with two daughters.