Product Description
AUSTRALIA II 12-Meter America's Cup Winner Ship Model 1983 (80in) Australia II ended the longest winning streak in yacht racing by winning the America's Cup 1983. Designed by Ben Lexcen, built by Stephan Ward, owned by Alan Bond and helmed by John Bertrand, the Australia II featured an innovative winged keel design developed by Lexcen. This helped to make it very fast and maneuverable in many conditions, and was the most notable and controversial design feature of the boat. During the summer of 1983, as selection trials took place for the Cup defense that autumn, it was unclear whether the keel design was legal within the strict rules governing the 12-metre class. Questions also surrounded the Dutch involvement in the design of the keel, which under the rules had to be designed by an Australian. The keel design was eventually confirmed as legal while the keel origin controversy remains unanswered. Despite being the first 12-meter to sport the new design, Australia II was not the first boat to have a winged keel, though her success did much to make the concept popular. Also helping the Australians was new sail technology, finally equaling or exceeding that of the Americans. Further, Bertrand made sure he and his crew was trained and refined to execute at the highest levels despite the pressure of this historical match up. America's Cup: Australia II, bearing sail number KA6, represented the Royal Perth Yacht Club of Australia in its September 1983 challenge for the America's Cup. The defender, the New York Yacht Club, had held the cup since 1851, dominating challengers and sustaining the longest winning streak in sport. The Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, faced Dennis Conner sailing the 12-meter Liberty in the ocean off Newport, Rhode Island. Australia II came from behind to prevail 4 races to 3
