australia ii yacht

Australia II

Australia II was built for the 25th America’s Cup in 1983 under the Third International Rule.  She competed and defeated the American yacht, ‘Liberty’, the first time the Cup had been taken away from the New York Yacht Club.  The innovative wing keel design of Australia II gave her the winning edge but Dennis Conner, the defeated skipper, was back with a vengeance for the next America’s Cup in 1987.

Australia II is now owned by the National Museum of Australia and was ‘let out’ to attend the America’s Cup Jubilee Regatta at Cowes in 2001.

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Australia II

• original hull
• original deck
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• original rigging
• original sails
• Western Australia
• overhanging stem
• overhanging transom
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• round bottom
• spade rudder
• decked with cockpit
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24 September 2023, 2pm - 7:30pm

Victoria Quay Precinct, Fremantle

Australia II 40 Years On Celebration at Victoria Quay Precinct: An Unprecedented Display of Support and Enthusiasm

The Australia II 40 Years On Celebration, set to take place at the iconic Victoria Quay Precinct, is gearing up to be an extraordinary event thanks to the incredible outpouring of support from the community. As excitement continues to build, event organisers are urging attendees to stay tuned to official social media channels for essential updates on access and attendance.

This landmark celebration, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Australia II's historic America's Cup victory, has captured the hearts of Western Australians far and wide. The overwhelming response from enthusiasts, fans, and the public has been nothing short of extraordinary.

With the event just around the corner, organisers are keen to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all attendees. Due to the exceptional interest and limited capacity at certain venues within Victoria Quay Precinct, it's crucial for attendees to stay informed about access and potential attendance constraints.

To stay in the know about event details, access, and attendance updates, please visit this website and follow on socials media Mellen Events Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Transperth Fremantle Ports These channels will provide real-time information to help attendees plan their visit to the Australia II 40 Years On Celebration.

This event promises to be a memorable occasion, and with the unwavering support of the community, it's shaping up to be a true testament to Australia's enduring passion for its maritime history.

About the Event

Join us to celebrate the anniversary of a defining moment in Australian sporting history. Tuesday 26 September marks the 40th Anniversary of the moment the Australia II team broke the longest winning streak in sporting history and brought the America’s Cup to Western Australia.

A 1980s themed, family friendly celebration will see Fremantle’s Victoria Quay come alive on Sunday 24 September with iconic 80s rock bands taking to the stage including; Hoodoo Gurus, Baby Animals, Voyager and, Slim Jim and the FATTS Bands.

As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, experience the story of the ‘unwinnable race’ told by a sound and light drone show capturing the iconic battle between the yachts - Australia II and Liberty.

The Celebration includes free entry all weekend to the WA Maritime Museum at Victoria Quay, including the new Australia II: 40 Years On Exhibition.

Free parking on Sunday 24 September at Victoria Quay.

The best thing - no need to call any boss a bum, because you all get the Monday off!

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Show us the Keel: Winning the America’s Cup in 1983

Australia II has become one of the nation’s most recognisable vessels, thanks to that extraordinary America’s Cup win in 1983. Almost everyone knows about its upside-down winged keel designed by Australian Ben Lexcen that was unbeatable that year.  

In May 1981 Ben Lexcen sent this cryptic telex message from Wageningen (Netherlands) to Perth:

" ABOUT TO TAKE YACHT DESIGN INTO THE SPACE AGE DARTH VADER LOOKS GOOD IN COMPUTER IN 3 DIMENSION WILL TEST ON WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE BEN SKYWALKER" Lexcen had begun testing keel designs with a team at the Netherlands Ship Model Basin. He named his radical concept of an upside-down keel with winglets ‘Darth Vader’, referring to the all-powerful villain of the Star Wars movies that took cinema by storm in 1977 and 1980. Signing his own name after character Luke Skywalker added to the Star Wars connection. Lexcen’s references to Star Wars were part of his quirky character that masked enormous technical ability and non-linear thinking. His drawings chart the progress from a conventional design to the winged profile. His design challenged the strict formula for designing 12-Metre class racing yachts, known as the America’s Cup Rule. A revolution was about to occur. Australia II , with its winged keel was kept literally under wraps before the America’s Cup races off Newport, Rhode Island. To chants of ‘Show us the keel!’ and a media frenzy about what is hidden under the covers, Australia II and its boxing kangaroo mascot sailed to victory and into the hearts and minds of Australians.  26 September 1983 was a monumental day in the history of Australian sport.

Show us the Keel: Winning the America’s Cup in 1983 takes us back to September 1983 when John Bertrand and his crew crossed the line to take the America’s Cup from the USA for the first time in its history. Alongside the design drawings, the exhibition includes a range of items associated with the win. The free exhibition is in Wharf 7, Maritime Heritage Building behind the main museum building and is open from 9am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Director, Ms Daryl Karp interviews Australia II skipper, John Bertrand AO on sailing, leadership and the America’s Cup 40 years on.

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Wharfies' Mural

Saturday 9 September 2023 – Sunday 4 February 2024

Included with General Admission. Book your tickets to WA Maritime Museum below. 

Re-live Australia II 's historic victory of the 1983 America's Cup.

On 26 September 1983, the yacht Australia II made global history when the oldest sporting trophy in the world, the America’s Cup, was wrested from the Americans after 132 years.

Sail back in time to the 1980s; a time when the famous boxing kangaroo and big hair were all the rage! Discover the untold stories and memorable moments that lead to the incredible Cup victory, continuing in 1987 when Fremantle hosted the Cup defence, hoisting the port city onto the world stage. 

Get an intimate look at the grit and perseverance of the Australian crew led by John Bertrand, as they set new standards in elite sport with a revolutionary keel design shrouded in secrecy.

In Newport, Rhode Island at 5.21pm,  Australia II crossed the finish line, the committee boats cannon firing a puff of white smoke indicating this stunning victory. Celebrate this historic moment from 40 years ago and the feel the impact it has had on the nation with our incredible maritime sporting achievements. 

WA Maritime Museum is the official home of the Australia II  yacht with the Museum being purpose built to house this Western Australian icon. Forever immortalised, see the yacht displayed in the defining moment of the final race, having just passed the American boat Liberty on the last downwind leg.

Important information

This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch with us via [email protected] or on 1300 134 081 .

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Australia II Sailing Yacht: The Pride of Australia

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Australia II, KA-6

Built in 1982 according to the International Third Rule- America’s Cup.

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Australia II - John Rousmaniere reflects on that winged keel

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Australia II 1983

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Australia II (KA 6) is the A ustralian 12-metre-class America's Cup challenge racing yacht that was launched in 1982 and won the 1983 America 's Cup for the Royal Perth Yacht Club .

Skippered by John Bertrand, she was the first successful Cup challenger , ending a 132-year tenure (with 26 successful defenses) by the New York Yacht Club.

Designed by Ben Lexcen , built by Steve Ward, owned by Alan Bond and helmed by John Bertrand. Lexcen's Australia II design featured a reduced waterline length and a short chord winged keel which gave the boat a significant advantage in maneuverability and heeling moment (lower ballast C of G) but was a significant disadvantage in choppy seas. The boat was also very quick in stays.The winged keel was a major design advance, and its legality was questioned by the New York Yacht Club.

During the summer of 1983, as selection trials took place for the Cup defence that autumn, the New York Yacht Club challenged the legality of the keel design. The controversy was decided in Australia II's favour. Australia II sported a number of other innovative features that contributed to her success, including radical vertical sail designs, all kevlar running rigging and a lightweight carbon fibre boom.

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I have always dreamed of having the Australia 2 model and this did not disappoint!

The model is beautiful, full of accurate details and well presented. I was a spectator in Newport for the great 1983 upset and have always dreamed of having the Australia 2 model and this did not disappoint!. Steve

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2 people are rescued from a disabled yacht off the Australian coast

Two people have been rescued unharmed Tuesday after spending a night aboard a disabled yacht in the heavy seas off the Australian coast

SYDNEY -- Two people were rescued unharmed Tuesday after spending a night aboard a disabled yacht in heavy seas off the Australian coast.

The 60-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were rescued at 7:30 a.m. from their 19-meter (62-foot) yacht, which was abandoned 300 kilometers (185 miles) east of the New South Wales state coast, Police Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said. The pair were expected to reach Sydney aboard a police boat Tuesday night.

The pair had activated their emergency beacon around 1 p.m. Monday, about 185 kilometers (115 miles) east of the New South Wales coastal town of Nowra, police said.

The yacht, “Spirit of Mateship,” had experienced a mechanical failure, lost a rudder, was taking water and was drifting east away from the shore, Brazzill said. With an ocean swell of 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) and winds of up 110 kilometers (70 miles) per hour, he said, conditions were considered too dangerous to attempt a rescue in the dark.

An air force C-130 Hercules transport plane flew to the yacht and made radio contact with the two people onboard. A police boat and an Australian navy warship reached the yacht early Tuesday.

Brazzill said a winching rescue by military helicopter was considered, but ruled out as too dangerous because of the sea conditions.

The pair were rescued in a small craft launched from the police boat, he said.

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The 19-metre yacht is roughly 150 kilometres offshore from Nowra. ( Supplied: Rolex/Daniel Forster )

A major rescue mission has been launched to retrieve two people stuck on board a 19-metre yacht roughly 185 kilometres off the New South Wales coastline.

NSW Police said officers were informed of the yacht's distress call at about 1pm on Monday.

What's next?

Rescue teams are expected to rendezvous with the vessel early on Wednesday morning.

A major rescue mission has been launched off the New South Wales South Coast, following a distress beacon being activated on the Spirit of Mateship yacht.

The distress beacon was switched on about 185 kilometres east of Nowra.

NSW Police said officers were notified of the distress call at about 1pm on Monday.

"Officers from the Marine Area Command and Australian Defence Force were notified by the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre a 19-metre yacht had activated a distress beacon," NSW Police said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the Australian Defence Force said HMAS Arunta was currently heading towards the 19-metre yacht. ( Supplied: Royal Australian Navy )

A spokesman for the Australian Defence Force said that two people were on board the yacht.

On Tuesday night, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was battling up to five-metre seas and 70 to 90 kph winds, with the weather conditions preventing rescue efforts from taking place on Monday night. 

A RAAF C-130J Hercules aircraft stayed on the scene until 9pm after leaving from Richmond, but was forced to return. 

"HMAS Arunta arrived to the scene at 6pm AEST this evening, with HMAS Canberra on route also arriving at 11pm AEST," AMSA said in a statement. "NSW Water Police vessel Nemesis is expected to arrive on scene about 2am AEST tomorrow [Tuesday] morning."

The rescue operation is due to begin early on Wednesday, but whether or not it can begin then will depend on the weather.

The Spirit of Mateship is believed to have sustained a mechanical issue and is taking on water.

Yacht a Sydney to Hobart race veteran

The Spirit of Mateship has raced in several Sydney to Hobart yacht races, starting in 2013.

Ahead of its inaugural Sydney to Hobart race, then-prime minister Tony Abbott officially launched its name Sprit of Mateship in honour of its crew, made up of injured ADF personnel.

Speaking at an event at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney before the race, Mr Abbott said how proud he was to be part of its launch.

The yacht in distress, named Spirit of Mateship, previously raced in a number of competitions, including the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.  ( ABC: 7.30 )

"It is really good to be here at Mates 4 Mates and to help launch the Spirit of Mateship," he said.

"We owe it to the members and former members of our armed forces to stand by them in their time of need and Mates 4 Mates are people who are there for each other in tough times."

NSW Police said there were no reports of injuries on board the yacht.

2 people are rescued from a disabled yacht off the Australian coast

Two people have been rescued unharmed Tuesday after spending a night aboard a disabled yacht in the heavy seas off the Australian coast

SYDNEY — Two people were rescued unharmed Tuesday after spending a night aboard a disabled yacht in heavy seas off the Australian coast.

The 60-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were rescued at 7:30 a.m. from their 19-meter (62-foot) yacht, which was abandoned 300 kilometers (185 miles) east of the New South Wales state coast, Police Chief Inspector Anthony Brazzill said. The pair were expected to reach Sydney aboard a police boat Tuesday night.

The pair had activated their emergency beacon around 1 p.m. Monday, about 185 kilometers (115 miles) east of the New South Wales coastal town of Nowra, police said.

The yacht, “Spirit of Mateship,” had experienced a mechanical failure, lost a rudder, was taking water and was drifting east away from the shore, Brazzill said. With an ocean swell of 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) and winds of up 110 kilometers (70 miles) per hour, he said, conditions were considered too dangerous to attempt a rescue in the dark.

An air force C-130 Hercules transport plane flew to the yacht and made radio contact with the two people onboard. A police boat and an Australian navy warship reached the yacht early Tuesday.

Brazzill said a winching rescue by military helicopter was considered, but ruled out as too dangerous because of the sea conditions.

The pair were rescued in a small craft launched from the police boat, he said.

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Inside insane $2 billion mega yacht ‘Goliath’ with hangar for four aircraft & its own submarine

It’s a mega yacht unlike any other with the $2 billion vessel boasting its own submarine and five-star amenities like a beach club.

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An incredible mega yacht so large that has its own submarine could double as a billionaires playground and a research lab.

Plans for the 700ft Goliath yacht includes research equipment, jet skis, helicopters and three heated pools.

The vessel is touted to cost a whopping £1 billion - $A2 billion.

Part of the Goliath series, the Q-quest yacht designed by California based yacht designer Steve Kozloff.

The massive research floater has been described as an expedition dream, providing plenty of lab space for research, experimentation, and medical intervention.

The mega-yacht is also loaded with plenty of exploration vehicles, including six hydrofoil tenders, two seaplanes, three jet skies, two helicopters, a U-Worx Research submarine, and a garage for two overland SUVs.

A separate hangar at midship stores two Cessna Caravan Seaplanes, selected for their ability to transport resupply across long distances.

The three upper decks are reserved for the owner and guests, offering 18 VIP cabins and a primary suite with a private balcony and pool.

It also boasts five-star amenities like a beach club, Turkish bath, three heated pools, yoga studio, and a 20-person theatre.

The mega yacht also has an impressive 3,000-square-foot owner’s suite with panoramic views at the bow, a large spa and pool, a basketball court.

There’s another pool with a shaded lounge area above the hangar, a dining room at the stern, and a solarium with a second dining area, plus a beach club with a full bar.

A total of 26 owner’s guests will reside on the three upper decks, while an operating crew of 150 including doctors, scientists, pilots, nurses, research engineers will reside in unspecified quarters.

Luxury aside, the predominantly research vessel would carry a complete oceanographic laboratory, a medical laboratory with MRI and X-ray imaging.

It could even hold as many as 20 hospital beds with 5G-connected robotic surgery facilities.

Propelled by thrusters powered by batteries, the vessel can reach a top speed of 20 knots with a range of 20,000 nautical miles.

Kozloff told autoevolution : “The mission of G-Quest, a 705-foot yacht, allows its owner to oversee their philanthropic efforts while living in luxury at sea.

“It is designed for both humanitarian and research objectives.”

The G-quest isn’t the only luxury yacht to boast a helipad.

Plans for the “Floating Dubai” vessel include an enormous pool deck , a relaxing spa and not one, but two enormous helipads on board.

Christened UAE One, the superboat was designed by Milan-based Enzo Manca, who collaborated with a sheikh to make it the flagship of the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement, Manca said: “The idea of UAE One was born in 2020, during a very special meeting between me and a sheikh of the United Arab Emirates on vacation in Italy.

“The sultan was very clear and categorical, he wanted something really special and unique.”

UAE One is inspired by historic defence ships, yet its curving lines distinguishes it from other vessels on the high seas.

It also stands over 130 feet tall and has tinted windows for extra privacy in true military style.

With nine decks and a total area of slightly over 30,000 square feet, the monster yacht is designed to give guests, diplomats, and kings the finest experience possible.

There is an owner’s suite, eight cabins, and 14 mini suites within.

The staff has 35 cabins as well.

The main deck, meanwhile, has a beautiful 18-metre geometric swimming pool.

There are also several outdoor lounges for sundowners, a platform for ocean swims, and a wellness centre with a spa on board.

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Due to the necessity of quick and simple transportation to and from a flagship, UAE One is able to maintain an extensive fleet of land, air, and sea vehicles.

The yacht features one hangar, two helipads ideal for foreign delegates, and a “mini-internal port” for tenders and submarines.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

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Fremantle Port marine accident

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into a collision in Fremantle inner harbour, Western Australia, at about 0615 on 30 August 2024.

As reported to the ATSB, the container ship Maersk Shekou  was being conducted to its berth by a Fremantle harbour pilot when it collided with the berthed tall ship STS Leeuwin II , resulting in substantial damage, and injuries to two crew members on the sail training ship.

The ATSB is deploying a team of four transport safety investigators from its Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney offices, with expertise in shipboard operations, pilotage, and recorded data systems, to the site.

They will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including vessel examination, interviews, and the recovery of any relevant recorded data, as well as documents, records and weather information.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation and will detail evidence, analysis and findings.

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken.