06 Oct 2026 -How the Americas Cup was won
Noel Phelan
The achievement of the Australian team in winning the America's Cup in 1983 was one of the most remarkable feats in Australian sporting history. Australia II captured the hearts of the nation when they won the America's Cup in1983, breaking a 132-year winning streak by the Americans in sport's oldest trophy. Perhaps the most iconic of Australian sporting moments, the competition caught the attention of sailors and non-sailors alike, throughout Australia and abroad.
The America's Cup fascinated the Australian sailing community for 20 years before they were victorious. Up until 1962, Britain and Canada were the only two nations to challenge for the Cup. In 1962 an Australian syndicate from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron challenged the Americans for the first time. Led by Sir Frank Packer, the challenge by Gretel was unsuccessful, but they became the first challenger to win an America's Cup match race against the Americans since 1930. They then challenged with Dame Pattie in 1967, Gretel II in 1970, Southern Cross in 1974, and Australia in 1977 and 1980.
Then in 1983, Australia challenged with their best prepared syndicate ever, AUSTRALIA II. Owned and built by a syndicate of Western Australians headed by businessman Alan Bond. The Australians were determined to bring home the Auld Mug. The designer of Australia II, Ben Lexcen, had conceived a winged keel that under secret testing in the Netherlands had out-performed conventional keels. The yacht was built in WA by boat builder Steve Ward. Lexcen's winged keel was at the centre of much controversy. Upon arrival in Newport, the keel was hidden from view with tarpaulin 'modesty skirts'. The design was protested by the Americans, but ultimately the "off-water" psychological battle was won by the Aussies and they were given the all-clear to race.
Skippered by John Bertrand, the crew of Australia II displayed a 'never-say-die' attitude when they came back from being 1-3 down, in the best of seven series. The Aussies fought their way back and the final race proved a real wrestle. The American boat Liberty led from the start, until being overtaken on the last downwind leg by Australia II. During the final windward leg the team aboard Australia II tacked 45 times to defend their precious lead. At 5.21pm on September 26, Australia II crossed the line to win the America's Cup, taking the Auld Mug in an historic 4-3 win. "You captured the imagination of the people the world over" said American President Reagan, as he congratulated the Australia II crew on a visit to the White House two days after the race. "You have shown us the stuff of which Australians are made."
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