Australia wins America's Cup - 20th Anniversary

by Yachting Australia on 26 Sep 2003 The Americas Cup is the longest-running sporting challenge in history, and the 26th of September 2003 marks the 20th anniversary of Australia’s stunning victory in this legendary sporting event.

In 1983, Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, broke the longest-running winning streak in the history of sport (132 years), crossing the finish line 41 seconds clear in the deciding race at Newport, Rhode Island - ahead of the United States defender Liberty - for an historic ‘come-from-behind’ win in the best of seven race series.

Last weekend in Perth, 19 life-like models of the Australia II crew and key team personnel, including Alan Bond, Warren Jones, Ben Lexcen and Sir James Hardy were unveiled at the Western Australian Maritime Museum to commemorate the occasion.

Congratulations to all those involved in this historic win aboard Australia II:

Skipper – John Bertrand;

Tactician – Hugh Treharne

Navigator – Grant Simmer

Mainsheet – Colin Beashel

Trimmers – Ken Judge Skip Lissiman, Rob Brown

Mast – Phil Smidmore

Sewer – Peter Costello

Bow – Damian Fewster , Scott McAllister

Grinders – Will Baillieu , Brian Richardson, John Langley

Sailing Adviser/Alternate Helmsman – Sir James Hardy

Sailing Coach – Mike Fletcher

Syndicate Chairman – Alan Bond

Syndicate Executive Director – Warren Jones

Australia II Designer – Ben Lexcen


To celebrate this historic achievement, Yachting Australia has teamed up with Legends Genuine Memorabilia to offer our members the opportunity to purchase ‘Australia’s Cup’ – a limited edition 20th Anniversary lithograph, signed by John Bertrand AM.

‘The Americans just had to win one race, and then we competed in what they called the ‘race of the century’

John Bertrand AM. Skipper, Australia II.

To commemorate Australia II’s historic Americas Cup victory, Legends Genuine Memorabilia has released this stunning lithograph in celebration of a defining Australian sporting and cultural phenomenon. Featuring the award-winning photography of Barbara Pyle and in a strictly limited edition of just 500, each has been signed by winning skipper, John Bertrand and independently authenticated by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

By special arrangement with Legends Genuine Memorabilia, Yachting Australia has negotiated an exclusive deal for our members – free delivery and handling (a saving of $30).

Available framed for $495 and unframed for $350

www.yachting.org.au