In a State flanked by stunning coastline, it is no surprise that Western Australia has a rich maritime history of yachting and sailing.

As part of the Western Australian Museum’s The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West, maritime historian Sally May will reflect upon the development of the State’s yachting and sailing history and the role the WA Museum has in showcasing this history and its heritage.

Ms May said with Perth staging the upcoming International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Championships in December to select sailing competitors for the 2012 Olympic Games, it is timely to look back on our sailing history.

“Yachting has contributed to our national identify,” Ms May said.

“When we won the America’s Cup in 1983, the world began to see Australia in a different light, and as a very ‘maritime’ nation.

“This was reflected in the four-year tourism campaign where Paul Hogan appeared in adverts in America, encouraging them to join him ‘to chuck another shrimp on the barbie’.

“When Americans did not know where Australia was, we were able to tell them it was where the America’s Cup was held.”

Ms May said winning the America’s Cup was so important to Australia that two multi-million dollar buildings were purpose built to house Australia II, the winner of the America’s Cup.

“Initially the yacht was housed in the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney, but in 2002 it was relocated to Fremantle in the WA Museum – Maritime.”

In her talk, Ms May will connect the past, present and future and show that there was an extensive history and interest in competitive yachting and sailing in WA.

“Back in the 1880s, people were closely studying the designs of successful America’s Cup winners and adapting the designs to build yachts for competitive sailing on the Swan River.”

Sally May is the Head of the Maritime History Department at the WA Museum. The lecture is part of The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West which is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.

More information on the upcoming ISAF World Championships in December can be found at http://www.perth2011.com/

Lecture: Setting sail for the Olympics
When: Friday 14 October 2011, 6:00pm
Where: Western Australian Museum – Maritime, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Bookings Essential: 9212 3813 or online at www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
Cost: By gold coin donation.

 

Media Contact: Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T. 9212 3856 M. 0424 027 646