Former employer president Klaus Murmann has died at home in Kiel at the age of 82 after a long illness. This was announced by his private secretary Brigitte Gartmann. The Dortmund-born entrepreneur had led the employers' organisation for ten years from 1986 to 1996. The passionate sailor had lived on the fjord since 1953. He is survived by his wife Hannelore and five children.
Murmann was a great supporter of German sailing - in many areas. Kiel's Lord Mayor Ulf Kämpfer called him an exemplary person and entrepreneur. This is also how Germany's sailors experienced him at regattas on the water and on land. The responsibility that he carried for years as chairman of a large mechanical engineering company based in Neumünster, he has also taken on in sailing. Whether it was the promotion of sea sailors or the encouragement of companies in the water sports industry - Murmann always put his words into action.
He worked intensively in favour of Kiel as a sailing location. The honorary doctor of the Christian Albrechts University was a member of the Kiel Yacht Club and owned several racing yachts, which he always christened "Uca". Murmann took part in international regattas with his boats. One of the highlights was his record-breaking voyage in the DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge (DCNAC) transatlantic regatta, in which his team was the fastest and first yacht to reach the finish line in just under 13 days.
He later enthused about this hussar ride: "It was and remains a highlight that we didn't have a single minute of discord on board. There was no group formation, just camaraderie." Murmann also showed that he was a great campaigner for fair sailing with another observation: "We had a lot of fun on board, and that's why I'm happy. However, I have already had someone mention in my eulogy today that I found the split start and the fact that we were only allowed to sail a week after the main field to be extremely unfair and unjust." This also characterised Klaus Murmann: He expressed his opinion openly and straightforwardly.
In 1992, Murmann was honoured with the Grand Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany with the Star of the Federal Republic of Germany for his social commitment. However, many sailors saw him not only as an award-winning entrepreneur, but also as an ambitious sportsman, fatherly friend and committed supporter. Murmann always had an open ear and a heart for new ideas. He gave both young and experienced sailors the confidence they needed to grow.
In 2005, alongside Edzard Reuter and Hans-Olaf Henkel, Murmann was one of the first supervisory board chairmen of the young first German America's Cup campaign. At the time, Murmann said: "It is an important matter of prestige for Germany to be involved." Now the passionate sailor has embarked on his last voyage.
"The boss", as his staff and crew members always respectfully called him, will be missed.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
