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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It was like a funeral at the New York Yacht Club when Australia II won the America's Cup after 132 years
Topic: Sailing
Australia II and Liberty race in the finals of the 1983 America's Cup off Newport, Rhode Island. ( Larry Moran, Chicago )
A weepy, funeral-like procession in midtown Manhattan and an empty champagne bottle turned upside down: two striking images from the day the US lost the America's Cup for the first time after more than a century of dominance — exactly 38 years ago.
The New York Yacht Club in mourning might be the last place you'd expect a visiting Australian to try to gatecrash.
But that's where I found myself on that fateful night: borrowing an oversized blue blazer, jumping in a yellow cab to West 44th Street and talking my way into the members' only enclave.
And all because an elitist yachting competition had somehow captivated our entire nation.
It was on September 26, 1983, that Australia II completed an improbable comeback over US boat, Liberty, winning race seven at Newport, Rhode Island, for a 4-3 victory overall, having trailed 3-1.
Back in Australia, a nation celebrated, led by a champagne-soaked prime minister in Perth.
After a night of watching the drama on television, Bob Hawke effectively declared the following day — a Tuesday — a national public holiday, saying: "Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum."
Three hundred kilometres south of the racing off Rhode Island, the New York Yacht Club was in a state of shock, unprepared for the end of a winning streak — the longest in sports — dating back to 1851.
There, more than anywhere else, at the club's home since 1901, the impact of Australia II's triumph was being felt. As uplifting as the result was for underdog Aussies 16,000 kilometres away, it was, in equal measure, devastating for those supporting the losing favourite.
This moment in history coincided with my first trip — a backpacker-style vacation — to the United States. I'd started the marathon journey from Sydney with Australia II headed for a noble defeat but arrived in New York City with John Bertrand's crew pulling off the near impossible.
The America's Cup was the last thing on my mind when air tickets were booked several months earlier.
In holiday mode, joining some fellow Australian journalists in a Manhattan bar, someone remarked what a great story it would be to sneak into the New York Yacht Club to see how the members were handling the shock of losing the cup.
The New York Yacht Club won the first America's Cup in 1851. ( Facebook: New York Yacht Club )
Along with the world's most dangerous and politically unstable hotspots of the time, the New York Yacht Club on that particular September evening might have been a place where all Australians would have been advised against travelling.
Two days before the races started, the club had unsuccessfully tried through the courts to ban Australia II's controversial winged keel, effectively accusing the Royal Perth Yacht Club syndicate of cheating.
Cup transported by armoured vehicle
Precisely when I arrived at the club, its main doors opened and about a dozen members filed out towards a parked van. Half of them were carrying a large wooden box that looked like a coffin. It didn't take long to work out the America's Cup was inside.
The van was a Brinks armoured vehicle, ready to drive sailing's most famous silverware up Interstate 95 to Newport for the official handover — to the enemy.
Ben Lexcen's winged-keel design caused an uproar in the New York Yacht Club. ( ABC News )
Funerals are often slow and measured affairs but this process was rapid and urgent. While the emotions flowed as they might alongside any cortege, there was also an air of chaos and confusion as a trophy representing 132 years of achievement was ingloriously yanked from the gentrified Beux-Arts landmark in less than 60 seconds.
Jason Dasey lands in New York City in September 1983. ( Facebook: Jason Dasey )
Once the vehicle was out of sight, a few of the members lingered on the footpath, trying to make sense of what they had just witnessed, including a middle-aged man with red eyes.
Fortunately, the man did not throw punches in a fit of New York rage when approached by a journalist from Sydney interested in hearing his views. Instead, there was an invitation to join him and his wife for a complimentary dinner at the club.
So, the New York Yacht Club visitors' book for the evening of September 26, 1983, registered one Australian guest.
'Therapy session' over steak dinner
In the heart of a city with the world's highest concentration of psychiatrists, the meal with a gracious American host had the unfettered air of a therapy session. And, with the Cold War still in full swing, it was also a kind of entente cordiale: two potential adversaries breaking bread in the name of a higher cause.
That same day, Soviet military officer Stanislav Petrov averted a possible nuclear war by correctly identifying a US missile attack warning in Moscow as a false alarm. On American soil, Zimbabwe Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, who had risen to power three years earlier, was on a tense state visit to Washington DC.
The New York Yacht Club successfully defended the America's Cup 24 times in a row before its 1983 defeat. ( Facebook: California Academy of Sciences )
During our dinner, the man opened up in a way one wouldn't have imagined, speaking about his personal pain and sense of loss in saying goodbye to the Auld Mug. For him, the America's Cup — the trophy — was like a close friend whose reassuring presence provided almost daily comfort within the exclusive confines of the club.
The man also shared an insider's account of how the decisive seventh race of the series played out for him and the other members.
Club with no TV and 'ship-at-sea echo'
In contrast to Manhattan's rowdy sports bars, the New York Yacht Club had (in its own words) a "ship-at-sea echo". Then, like now, it was a cosy and refined refuge where members could peacefully enjoy a drink, meal and thoughtful conversation without distraction.
So, with no television or radio on the premises, the only way to get updates on the racing was from an open telephone line to Newport.
Because retaining the America's Cup was almost a formality, members hadn't felt the need to closely follow each day's racing. Most of the previous series were lopsided, with the defender rarely troubled. The US had lost only three of 39 races dating back to 1937, and had dropped just nine races since the America's Cup began in 1851.
But, with the 1983 series tied at 3-3 going into race seven, one member, with a no-dial rotary telephone in hand, was given the job of relaying information from Newport to an increasingly concerned gathering within the club.
Dennis Conner (right) with Alan Bond in 2005, suffered an unexpected defeat as skipper of Liberty. ( AFP: Greg Wood )
Under respected skipper Dennis Conner, Liberty started well and seemed on course for victory. But after surrendering the lead on the penultimate leg, the American yacht was unable to get it back, despite Conner tacking 47 times before the finish.
Australia II, expertly piloted by Olympic medallist Bertrand, crossed the line 41 seconds ahead to clinch the series, meaning the challenger had defied sudden death by taking the last three races to win.
After we had a magnificent steak dinner in the dining room, the man introduced me to other members, with an invitation to look around the club that had operated on that site since 1901. Walking through the various sections, the detail and quality of the many replica boats and ships on display in its trophy room was impressive.
Skipper John Bertrand was hailed as a hero on his return to Australia in 1983. ( National Archives of Australia: A6135, K31/10/83/2 )
Champagne bottle replaces missing cup
What stood out was the sizeable display case that had protected the America's Cup until a few hours earlier.
Instead of showing off precious silverware, the structure now housed an empty champagne bottle, its spout pointing to the floor, symbolic of an institution whose world had been turned upside down.
After the man and his wife had gone home, I wrote my story by hand on New York Yacht Club letterhead in a quiet corner of the club. Then, in those early days of computers long before email, the article was dictated on a reverse-charges telephone call to a typist back at the Sydney Morning Herald for the next day's edition.
Just after midnight, this Australian visitor was the second-last person to leave the club, let out the front door by the night security guard.
John Bertrand and Alan Bond joined former prime minister Bob Hawke in Sydney on the 30th anniversary of the America's Cup victory in 2013. ( AAP: Dean Lewins )
For someone who didn't live through Australia's unexpected success off the Rhode Island coast, it is difficult to explain four decades later the significance of winning — let's face it — a relatively obscure sporting event.
But Bertrand's unexpected success, powered by Ben Lexcen's winged keel and Alan Bond's cash, seemed to energise a nation down on its competitive luck.
Australia had won just nine medals at the ill-fated and partly boycotted 1980 Moscow Olympics and only five — with no gold — at the Montreal Games four years before that. Compare that to 46 medals, with 17 golds at the recent Tokyo Olympics.
Boxing Kangaroo flag galvanises a nation
The boxing Kangaroo flag that fluttered in the Rhode Island breeze off Australia II's forestay became a symbol of its triumph. And it would epitomise our fighting spirit in decades of other sporting battles to come. Rather than the nagging feeling that we might not be good enough, sticking it to the Yanks in their own — ahem — waterways when all seemed lost, proved that anything was possible.
The triumph came just seven months into Bob Hawke's first term as prime minister and remains one of his most endearing moments, setting the tone for his tenure. Wearing a gaudy Australian-branded sports coat, his euphoria bubbled over in the early hours amongst a packed crowd at the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Indeed, as a proud West Australian, this moment was even sweeter.
Years later, the America's Cup would be voted by the readers of my old newspaper as the greatest day in Australian sports history, more significant than winning world cups in rugby and cricket and staging the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
The boxing kangaroo at the Australian team's base at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. ( Mark Raltson: AFP )
It remains the only time Australia has actually won the America's Cup. In a disastrous defence at Fremantle four years later, Kookaburra III was trounced 4-0 by Stars and Stripes 87, skippered by 1983 loser, Dennis Conner. Conner's tale of redemption is featured in a 1992 film, Wind.
New Zealand is the current holder of the America's Cup, having successfully defended the trophy in March — winning it for the fourth time — after Emirates Team New Zealand defeated Italy's Luna Rossa by seven races to three off the coast of Auckland.
After leaving the New York Yacht Club on that autumn night in 1983, I took a reflective stroll back to my accommodation a few blocks away near Times Square.
I rounded a corner, past the open doors of a late-night bar whose house band was cranking out a raucous version of Who Can It Be Now? by Men At Work. The Melbourne group's other big hit, Down Under, was the unofficial anthem of Australia II's challenge, but I'd never heard US musicians covering Australian artists before.
In those pre-Crocodile Dundee days, the full brunt of Australia's cultural awakening and transformation — and the resulting international invasion — was still a few years away.
But for a split second on that last Tuesday in September 1983, I caught a glimpse of the future.
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America’s Cup win
1983: Australia II wins the America’s Cup
Australia II and crew celebrate the 1983 win. Photo: Larry Moran
At 5.21pm on 26 September 1983, off the coast of Rhode Island, the yacht Australia II crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup.
In the best of seven races, Australia II was 1–3 down after the first four races. In the final race Australia came from behind to win 4–3. It was the first America’s Cup race in 132 years that a country other than the USA won.
Prime Minister Bob Hawke, 27 September 1983:
Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.
Pair of green Stubbies sailing shorts worn by Will Baillieu, Starboard Grinder on Australia II during the 1983 America's Cup. National Museum of Australia
America’s Cup history
The America’s Cup began life in England as the Royal Yacht Squadron’s £100 Cup, awarded to the winner of a race around the Isle of Wight.
In August 1851 the race was won by the schooner America (after which the Cup was subsequently named) representing the youthful New York Yacht Club.
The Earl of Wilton, Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron, had invited the Americans to take part, and theirs was the first foreign yacht to enter the race.
In a ploy repeated by the Australians in 1983, the Americans in 1851 played up the radical new design of their yacht and hinted that they had a secret advantage below the waterline. Actually, it was the combination of a new hull design and less sail aloft that gave America the edge.
With this single victory, America transformed yachting into an international competition. The New York Yacht Club Commodore John Cox Stevens and the members of his ownership syndicate sold the winning schooner before returning home.
They donated the trophy to the New York Yacht Club in 1857 under a Deed of Gift which stated that the trophy would be 'a perpetual challenge cup for friendly competition between nations'.
The New York Yacht Club’s first defense of the Cup took place in 1870. Britain repeatedly challenged for the Cup, with one competitor, Sir Thomas Lipton, mounting five challenges between 1899 and 1930.
As the years passed, it was the prospect of breaking this extraordinary winning streak that made the America’s Cup so coveted.
Australian involvement in the America's Cup
Britain and Canada were the only two nations to challenge for the Cup until 1962 when an Australian syndicate headed by Sir Frank Packer and based at the Royal Sydney Yacht club challenged in Gretel . Although the Cup was successfully defended by the Americans, the competition was close and Gretel was the first boat to win an America’s Cup match race since 1930.
The Australians returned in 1970 with Gretel II but were unsuccessful. The Gretel II campaign was famously controversial, particularly when having won a second race, the Australians were stripped of their win by the NYYC. Future captain of Australia II, John Bertrand, competed in his first challenge on board Gretel II.
Other Australian challengers were Dame Pattie in 1967, Southern Cross in 1974, Australia in 1977 and 1980, followed by Australia II in 1983.
Entrepreneur Alan Bond entered the Cup challenge process in 1974 with Southern Cross . While both Southern Cross and Australia failed in their three attempts, they provided crucial training for the historic 1983 challenge.
Patent for Ben Lexcen’s winged keel. Photo: Larry Moran
Australia II
Alan Bond again bankrolled the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s entry, Australia II, for the 1983 challenge. Ben Lexcen (formerly Bob Miller) who had also designed Southern Cross and co-designed Australia , designed the yacht.
Her outstanding characteristic was a completely new winged keel design, which the team kept hidden until it was revealed to fans after the final race.
Australia II dominated the Challenger series, winning the Louis Vuitton Cup, and the NYYC embarked on a legal challenge to disqualify the Australian yacht. The boat was ruled a legal 12 Meter and allowed to participate in the regatta.
1983 America’s Cup race tournament
The America’s Cup is a best of seven race tournament. Australia II , skippered by John Bertrand, lined up for the first race against the American defender, Liberty , skippered by Dennis Conner, on 13 September 1983.
The NYYC cancelled the race due to foul weather. A successful start was made the following day, but Australia II was hampered by equipment failure. Liberty won by one minute and ten seconds. The Australians’ second race was also marred by equipment failure, with Conner winning by one minute and 33 seconds.
Race three was abandoned as neither yacht could complete the course in the time limit, and was restarted the following day. Australia II won by three minutes and 14 seconds, which brought relief and jubilation to the Australians and their supporters.
However, when Liberty won race four, it seemed that it might be all over for the Australian campaign.
Australia II had to win every one of the next three races to take the Cup. The fifth race started poorly, with the Australians giving the Americans a 37-second lead. However, the Americans lost this precious advantage due to equipment failure. Australia II won by one minute and 47 seconds.
Race six took place on 22 September 1983. Even if Australia II hadn’t gone on to win the Cup, it would have made history by winning this race. It was the first time a defender had gone three-all, and it was the biggest winning margin recorded.
Victory for Australia
About 2,000 boats turned out to watch the historic seventh race on 24 September 1983, which disappointingly, had to be abandoned due to unstable weather conditions. Rescheduled for 26 September 1983, the race started after only one postponement.
The Australians started well but lost their early lead. Things looked grim, with Liberty increasing its lead at every mark. Designer Ben Lexcen couldn’t bear to watch. He went below on the Bond launch, Black Swan , and stared at the NYYC officials’ boat.
Lexcen was only alerted to Australia II ’s amazing comeback during the fifth leg by the change of demeanour of those on board the officials’ boat.
Two vital differences on this leg let Australia II regain the lead. The spinnaker was set and held better than Liberty , and Australia II was able to find a few extra lifts of wind.
Once in the lead, Australia II was under ferocious attack from Liberty on the final leg. The American yacht tacked 45 times in attempting to regain the lead. At 5.21pm Australia II crossed the finish line 41 seconds ahead of Liberty.
Australia II ’s winged keel. The yacht is on permanent display at the Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle. Photo: kenhodge13 via Wikimedia Commons
Reaction in Australia
In Australia, the final race took place in the early hours of the morning, but much of the nation stayed up to watch the historic victory on television. The America’s Cup, previously of interest only to the yachting fraternity, suddenly had a galvanising effect on the public mood.
According to author Lou d’Apulget:
The 1983 challenge was a never-to-be-repeated summer-long epic that wiped wars, politics and economics from the pages of newspapers and brought the subject of boat racing into such unlikely places as the Oval Office of the White House.
On 15 May 1984 the federal cabinet decided to buy Australia II from Alan Bond.
Dennis Conner successfully challenged the Australians in 1987.
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Collection highlight on Australia II, WA Museum
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Wings to Victory video, Australian Screen, National Film and Sound Archive
John Bertrand, Born to Win, the Power of a Vision: Celebrating 30 years of the Australia II’ s America’s Cup Win, Slattery Media Group, Victoria, 2013.
Lou d’Apulget, Yachting in Australia, William Collins, Sydney, 1986.
Ted Jones, Newport and the America’s Cup Challenge ’77, WW Norton and Co, New York, 1978.
Bruce Stannard, The Triumph of Australia II , Landsdowne, Sydney, 1983.
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Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition
The WA Maritime Museum, home of Australia II, is hosting a brand new exhibition to commemorate the iconic moment in international sporting history when Australia II claimed America’s Cup Victoria from the American’s after 132 years.
Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition explores the celebrated stories that led to Australia II emerging victorious alongside Western Australia’s incredible maritime sporting achievements. 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.
The exhibition runs until 4 February 2024 but, to expand the celebrations across the long weekend, the WA Maritime Museum is offering free entry. From 23 - 26 September visitors can enjoy the exhibition, see the famous yacht and take part in a range of special activities and performances.
Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition is on at WA Maritime Museum from 9 September 2023 until 4 February 2024.
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Australia II
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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.
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Team Sport Australia Award | 2002
On every occasion across the 132 years leading into the 1983 America’s Cup, no international team had successfully challenged the New York Yacht Club and taken the Cup home with them. However, the Australian syndicate representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club fielding the Australia II, skippered by Legend of Australian Sport, John Bertrand AO , fought back from a 3-races-to-1 deficit to not only end the United States’ domination of the racing series, but also snap the longest winning streak in sporting history.
Australia II was billed as one of the biggest threats to America’s dominance in the 12-metre class, however, the boat, designed by SAHOF Member Ben Lexcen AM , complete with the revolutionary ‘winged keel’, was subject to controversy from the outset of the challenger series after the New York Yacht Club alleged the keel wasn’t legal and that the boat hadn’t been “designed and constructed in country” as per America’s Cup rules. The boat was eventually ruled legal with her, and her crew allowed to participate, and they dominated the challenger series before entering the America’s Cup finals as the most promising contender to date.
In the finals, the US yacht Liberty won the first and second races by over a minute – due to Australia II suffering multiple setbacks, including equipment failure – before the Aussies returned fire in the third race, and then – after Liberty had won the fourth – the fifth and sixth, which took the series to a Cup-deciding seventh race – this was the first time the America’s Cup had been gone beyond five races. About 2000 boats turned out to watch the historic seventh race on September 24, however, disappointingly, it had to be abandoned due to unstable weather conditions.
The rescheduled final race was televised live in Australia during the early hours of September 27, 1983. The early stages of the race were cautious as neither team wanted to make a mistake that would result in a protest, and after the Australians started well, Liberty recovered and took the lead. At the start of the penultimate leg (a square run), it looked as though the Cup would stay in Newport yet again, however, two vital differences on this leg let Australia II regain the lead – her spinnaker was set and held better than Liberty , and she was able to find a few extra lifts of wind that eluded her rival. Australia II held on until both boats reached the starboard layline in amongst the spectator fleet and tacked several boat lengths ahead of Liberty before sailing to the finish to take the race by 41 seconds, thus becoming the first successful challenger in the 132 years since the schooner boat America won it in a race around England’s Isle of Wight.
It was just before dawn in Australia and, as Australians celebrated the victory in public venues across the country, Australia’s Prime Minister, Bob Hawke was interviewed at the celebration at Royal Perth YC when, after he had humorously fended off repeated questions from journalists wondering whether he would declare a public holiday, he joked that “any boss who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum!” which was met with rapturous laughter.
Australia II ‘s win prompted US President, Ronald Regan to write to Mr Hawke to congratulate him. He wrote, “Dear Bob, if the America’s Cup had to leave the United States, I am delighted that its home will be in Australia – at least until the next race. All Australians must be justifiably proud of the extraordinary team effort, skill and sportsmanship that brought off this magnificent victory. I hope you will share with all those who had anything to do with Australia II’s success my congratulations and those of the American people.” He finished by stating that “One major consolation for us is that the next race will provide a large number of Americans the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Perth as they seek to bring home the Cup. Sincerely, Ronald Regan”
This victory by Australia II and her crew was a landmark event for the nation of Australia and one that transcended sailing to become the symbol of a time when Australia came of age and made our mark on the international stage.
Competition The America’s Cup
Captain John Bertrand AO
Team Members: John Bertrand AO (Skipper), Colin Beashel, Peter Costello, Damien Fewster, Ken Judge, Skip Lissiman, John Longley, Brian Richardson, Phil Smidmore, Grant Simmer, Hugh Treharne Reserves: Will Baillieu, Rob Brown, Sir James Hardy OBE, Scott McAllister
Image: ABC/Larry Moran, Chicago
Winged Victory - the untold story of Australia II's keel design
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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 1983Reference SMA-37 Condition: New product  Display all pictures Buy this model of the Australia II which won the America's Cup in 1983. More details This product is no longer in stock Availability date: Add to cart
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. From Wikipedia
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 Customers who bought this product also bought:America 1851, ranger 1937, young america 2000. Customer ratings and reviews
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Inside insane $2 billion mega yacht ‘Goliath’ with hangar for four aircraft & its own submarineIt’s a mega yacht unlike any other with the $2 billion vessel boasting its own submarine and five-star amenities like a beach club.  Aussie mates’ $2 million gamble pays off Inside Dubai sheikh’s wild yacht for kings Jeff quietly drops staggering amount on jetAn 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. More Coverage 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 When two mates saw a gap in the fitness market, they pounced on the opportunity, risking their life-savings to make it happen. An ultra-luxury megayacht designed like a military-style aircraft carrier promises to be a sheikh’s paradise at sea as it boasts some insane features. Jeff Bezos has reportedly bought a fourth private jet considered the one of the largest and most advanced in the world – and he spent a insane amount on it. |
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2.72 metres (8 ft 11 in) Sail area. 175 square metres (1,880 sq ft) Australia II (KA 6) is an Australian 12-metre-class America's Cup challenge racing yacht that was launched in 1982 [1] 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 ...
Australia II (MHK D2/458) Image copyright of WA Museum. On 26 September 1983, the yacht Australia II made history when the oldest sporting trophy in the world, the America's Cup, was wrested from the Americans after 132 years. The Australia II was owned and built by a syndicate Western Australians headed by former businessman Alan Bond.
With six unsuccessful challenges behind it, beginning in 1962 with media mogul Frank Packer's yacht Gretel, Australia was thought to have little chance of winning the imposing sterling silver ...
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 ...
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.
Austraia II skipper John Bertrand and crew of the 1983 Yacht Australia II in 2012. Credit: Anthony Johnson. The Australians are all big men. Most of them are over six feet (183 centimetres). Some ...
It was like a funeral at the New York Yacht Club when Australia II won the America's Cup after 132 years. By Jason Dasey. Topic: Sailing. Sun 26 Sep 2021 Sunday 26 September 2021 Sun 26 Sep 2021 ...
1983: Australia II wins the America's Cup. At 5.21pm on 26 September 1983, off the coast of Rhode Island, the yacht Australia II crossed the finish line to win the America's Cup. In the best of seven races, Australia II was 1-3 down after the first four races. In the final race Australia came from behind to win 4-3.
Ben Lexcen (born 1936, New Castle, New South Wales, Australia—died May 1, 1988, Sydney, New South Wales) was an Australian yachtsman and marine architect who designed Australia II, the first non-American yacht to win (1983) the prestigious America's Cup in the 132-year history of the race. Lexcen, who had little formal education, was ...
Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition explores the celebrated stories that led to Australia II emerging victorious alongside Western Australia's incredible maritime sporting achievements. ... From 23 - 26 September visitors can enjoy the exhibition, see the famous yacht and take part in a range of special activities and performances. Australia ...
Australia II. DescriptionThe 19.5 m long, aluminium International 12 Metre Class yacht AUSTRALIA II was built by Steve Ward in Cottlesloe, WA and launched in 1982 at Fremantle. It was designed by Ben Lexcen for a syndicate headed by Alan Bond, and for both of them it was their fourth challenge for the trophy since 1974.
Australia II was given the honour of being named the yacht that had brought the greatest benefit to the sport of yachting by participating in the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta. Since 2001 till now - Australia II is the centerpiece of the new Western Australian Maritime Museum, in her home port of Fremantle. www.americascup.com.
The 1983 America's Cup was a 12-metre class yacht racing series which pitted the defending New York Yacht Club's Liberty against the Royal Perth Yacht Club's challenger, Australia II.The September 1983 series of match races was won by Australia II, with four race wins to three, in the first successful challenge of the New York Yacht Club's 132-year defense of the Cup.
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!
In the finals, the US yacht Liberty won the first and second races by over a minute - due to Australia II suffering multiple setbacks, including equipment failure - before the Aussies returned fire in the third race, and then - after Liberty had won the fourth - the fifth and sixth, which took the series to a Cup-deciding seventh race ...
At that time, the rules governing the Cup required that each yacht be designed by citizens of the country it represented. The principal designer of Australia II, the eventual winner, was indeed a "national"-Ben Lexcen. Much of the development work on that boat, however, was performed at the Netherlands Ship Model Basin (now known by the acronym ...
The 115 year-old International 12 Metre Class encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world's foremost naval architects including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and more who pushed their designs to the very limits of innovation. The resulting boats represented the ...
Australia II's 1983 America's Cup win was largely credited to her revolutionary winged keel design. All sorts of interesting things happened back in 1983. McDonald's introduced the Chicken McNugget, Microsoft Word was released, and Swatch watches were all the rage. For sailors, however, the biggest news of 1983 was when the 12-Meter Australia ...
John Bertrand first participated as part of the yacht crew representing Australia in the 1974 America's Cup. The USA swept the series 4-0 that year and also in the 1977 edition of it. He was also part of the Australian team in the 1980 edition of the tournament, in which the Americans successfully defended the trophy once again. ...
6. Australia II. On 26 September 1983, the yacht Australia II made history when the oldest sporting trophy in the world, the America's Cup, was wrested from the Americans after 132 years. Australia II was owned and built by a syndicate of Western Australians headed by prominent businessman, Alan Bond. The syndicate had unsuccessfully ...
Australia II (KA 6) is the Australian 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 ...
The Australia II yacht crew looks back on the motivation, dedication and innovation that led to their historic victory at the 1983 America's Cup. Watch trailers & learn more.
The lateral wings of Australia II are of moderate aspect ratio, forming a nearly horizontal foil, the "wing", at the bottom to provide additional effective span, in the same way as the winglets on an aircraft. [3] [5] Each wing acts as a winglet, effectively increasing the keel aspect ratio therefore reducing the lift-induced drag.Because the yacht is heeled over when sailing upwind, the ...
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. Plans for the 700ft Goliath yacht includes research equipment ...