A special exhibition to mark 40 years since Australia II won the America’s Cup will take place at the yacht’s permanent home, the WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, in September 2023.

The exhibition titled Australia II: 40 Years On will include a brand-new film featuring untold stories by the 1983 winning team members.

WA-based crew members John Longley and Skip Lissiman are among those who have been filmed sharing their memories of the historic victory in 1983, and Australia II Captain John Bertrand AO, will also feature in the exhibition video. Eileen Bond makes a rare media appearance in the film, revealing her experiences on the New York Yacht Club social scene and what it was like on tender Black Swan during the race.

The film featuring archive footage and photography, digital animation and soundscapes will be screened inside the exhibition on an eight-metre curved screen at the WA Maritime Museum. Visitors to the Victoria Quay venue will be able to inspect Australia II and its famous winged keel, designed by Ben Lexcen AM.

The exhibition will also include two rarely seen original Boxing Kangaroo flags flown at Newport, Rhode Island, site of the victory, as well as model yachts and sailing-themed interactive exhibits.

The Western Australian Museum has been collaborating with the State Library, State Records Office, and Royal Perth Yacht Club ahead of the exhibition which will run from 9 September 2023 to 4 February 2024.

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said he is proud to confirm the State Government’s support of this momentous anniversary through the WA Maritime Museum exhibition and additional celebrations planned for the Victoria Quay precinct.

“Australia II’s legendary victory over Liberty in Newport, Rhode Island, is still firmly in the hearts and minds of many Australians forty years on. The Boxing Kangaroo emblem; Men at Work’s unforgettable anthem Down Under: there are so many vivid memories from this time.

“The seven-part race seemed unwinnable at 1-3 down and with New York Yacht Club having held the America’s Cup since 1851, but we won – and in the most dramatic fashion!

“It’s wonderful to have a WA Maritime Museum exhibition to revisit historic moments that made this such a stand-out event for Australia. I am also looking forward to marking the anniversary at Victoria Quay for all to enjoy.”

Western Australian Museum CEO Alec Coles added: “The WA Maritime Museum opened in 2002 to showcase Western Australia’s rich maritime history, and it was designed specifically to house Australia ll.

“This special exhibition will explore the history of the competition and, of course, the amazing story of the design and build of Australia II, and the campaign to win the Cup!

“The Western Australian story did not end in 1983 because the opportunity to host the Cup in 1987 put Western Australia on the global map and transformed Fremantle. Whilst the Americans won the Cup back, the positive impact for Western Australia was enormous.”

Background: https://museum.wa.gov.au/research/collections/australia-ii/maritime-history-boats-and-watercraft/australia-ii-1983-winner-ame

Media contacts:
WA Museum Media media@museum.wa.gov.au
PR consultant Tracy Routledge tracy@trpr.com.au