1983 America's Cup

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Boxing Kangaroo flag, design used in 1983 as the mascot of the Australia II team

Postal souvenirs of Australia II's 1983 victory at Newport

Main article: America's Cup

The 1983 America's Cup was the occasion of the first successful challenge to the New York Yacht Club's 132-year defence of a sailing trophy. An Australian syndicate representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club won the regatta and match race, gaining the America's Cup and ending the longest winning streak in sporting history.

Alan Bond arrived at Newport with Australia II, already billed as one of the biggest threats to American 12 Metre dominance. The vessel was designed by Ben Lexcen and skippered by John Bertrand. The revolutionary "winged" keel sported by the Australian yacht was a subject of controversy and legal action which failed to disqualify the Australian challenge. The trials in the courtroom and at sea intensified international media attention to the series. Australia II suffered equipment failure in the first two races against the American defender Liberty but came back from 3-1 down to win the last three races and the America’s Cup. In winning the seventh and deciding race on 26 September 1983, Australia II became the first successful challenger in 132 years.

The victory was televised and celebrated in public venues across Australia. Prime Minister Bob Hawke was interviewed at the late night celebration in Claremont and said, "Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum".

The America's Cup was transferred from the New York Yacht Club to the Royal Perth Yacht Club in Western Australia. In 1987-88, It was unsuccessfully defended in Fremantle, Western Australia, and Dennis Conner delivered the trophy to the San Diego Yacht Club in the United States of America.

[edit] See also

1987 America's Cup

[edit] Further reading

Akerman, Piers. (1983) The cup comes down under Perth, W.A. Angus & Robertson,ISBN 0207149135
The official Advance Australia Souvenir, America's cup 1983. Sydney: Amalgamated Pub. ISBN 0959249907

Levitt, Michael & Llloyd, Barbara (1984) Upset : Australia wins the America's Cup color photography by Dan Nerney. Sydney: Hodder and Stoughton, ISBN 0340355808 (First published: New York : Workman Publishing, 1983).
Moult, Allan (compiler) The America’s Cup ’83 Collector’s edition. McMahon’s Point, N.S.W. Kevin Weldon & Associates
Panorama Books (1983) How we won the America’s Cup : a souvenir. Perth, W.A. : Panorama Books. ISBN 0949864137 (ANB/PRECIS SIN 0705837)
Park, Andy (editor) Stannard, Bruce (text) (1984) Australia II : the official record Sydney: Joyce Childress Management. ISBN 0959131302
Stannard, Bruce.(1983)The triumph of Australia II : the America's Cup challenge of 1983 Sydney: Lansdowne Press. ISBN 070181800X
Todd, Nigel and Ross, Brian (1983) America’s Cup ’83 : the official Advance Australia edition Manly, N.S.W. : Sea Spray. ISBN 0959249997
Westley, Eileen (1983) America’s Cup ’83, the complete story. Sydney. John Fairfax Marketing. ISBN 0909558361