Australia II sponsored by Shell for America's Cup Jubilee Regatta

by Warren Jones on 15 May 2001 High profile company, Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd has been revealed as the major 'mystery sponsor' behind the campaign to sail America's Cup winning yacht, Australia II for the last time in the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta in England this coming August.

As a major sponsor, Shell Development joins international shipping company, P & O Nedlloyd,
television network, Seven Network Limited Australia, and a shy American benefactor as the primary
donors to the campaign.

Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd and the yachting Syndicate, Australia II Jubilee Challenge
2001 Inc, sealed an agreement for Shell Development to inject $AUD200,000 into the cash-starved
campaign early in April, however the naming of the sponsor was held over till May.

'Until Shell Development came aboard, the Australia II campaign had raised about $AUD250,000
from committed cash sponsors, but we needed at least $AUD450,000 more in both cash and kind to
ensure that we could get Australia II in shape to sail competitively and transport her to England and
back.

'Shell Development heard of our plight and came to the rescue, together with P & O Nedlloyd, the
international shipping company, which committed to transporting Australia II, her tender vessel,
Black Swan, and our container-workshop to England and return. This very important commitment is
worth some $AUD150-200,000 and P & O Nedlloyd joins Shell Development as one of our two Gold
Sponsors,' Mr Jones said.

'Shortly after that, the Seven Network in Australia, through their sporting arm, Seven Sports, came
on board and donated $AUD100,000 in cash and television time, making Seven a valuable Silver
Sponsor.

'The other Silver Sponsor we have to date is an anonymous private sponsor from Texas in the USA.
This young man loves sailing and believes in the merit of our cause. He, too, gave the equivalent of
$AUD100,000 in cash to be a part of this marvellous international sailing festival, however, he prefers
to remain unheralded on our Sponsors' Board.

'These major sponsors are joined by those who had already committed to be part of Australia II's
final sailing event before she becomes the centrepiece of a magnificent gallery display at the new
$AUD35 million Western Australian Maritime Museum, now under construction in her home port,
Fremantle.

'The new museum is designed as a 'living place' where people will be able to interact with the State's
diverse and fascinating maritime history, of which Australia II is a vital part.

'And the Western Australian Maritime Museum is a vital part of Australia II's sailing mission at
Cowes,' Mr Jones said. 'They made what can only be described as a ground-breaking decision to
allow this historically valuable, Australian sporting icon to be returned to the water to participate in a
major, international event.

'Our syndicate has entered into a co-operation agreement with the Museum to race the yacht this
one last time and we are working closely with the Museum to care for her and protect her for her
future role. In our day-to-day dealings with the Museum, it is obvious that their feelings for Australia II
match our own.

'In addition to the Syndicate's major sponsors, we have Friends, Associates and Official Suppliers,
all of whom have given essential money, time, services and equipment to ensure that Australia II
presents herself to the world in peak sailing condition, ready to take on all comers in all weathers.

'Although the average age of the original 1983 Cup-winning crew is now over 50, we are intent not
just on competing in the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta, but in winning races. We are particularly
keen to win the International 12 Metre Class section of the Re-enactment Race (re-enacting the first
America's Cup race on the original course around the Isle of Wight in 1851) and the International 12
Metre Class World Championships, being held in conjunction with the Jubilee Regatta.

Mr Jones said that the money raised to date was sufficient to ensure the boat could sail
competitively, but that the Syndicate was operating on an exceptionally tight budget.

'Our crew is not being paid and the team members are meeting all their own costs. As you can
imagine, our costs in England are very high, given the value of the Australian dollar against the
English pound.

'We are still searching for more Silver Sponsors and Friends of Australia II, so that the team can pull
out all stops to represent its nation well and put on a winning performance,' Mr Jones said.

Contact:
Warren Jones
Tel: +61 8 9322 1666
Email: jude@spartan.com.au

AUSTRALIA 11 - Events Calendar
[As at 9 May 2001]

Wed, May 9
America's Cup Jubilee Challenge 2001 Launch & Announcement of Sponsors
Location: Royal Perth Yacht Club, Australia 11 Drive, Crawley, WA

Thurs, May 10 - postponed
Australia 11 - Step the Mast
Location: B-Shed, Fremantle Docks
8.00am - Australia 11 leaves B-Shed.
9.00am - Step the mast, using Brambles Industrial Services crane

Sat, May 19
Australia 11 Sails for First Time (weather permitting)
8.00am - Australia 11 trucked to Fremantle Passenger Terminal from Fremantle Port Authority
compound by Brambles Industrial Services.
9.00am - Australia 11 loaded into the water by Brambles Industrial Services' crane. Sails loaded onto
Australia 11 at Mews Road.
10.00am- Tender vessel 'Black Swan' tows Australia 11 around to Kailis' Wharf, Fremantle Fishing
Boat Harbour (off Mews Road)
12.00pm - Tender vessel 'Black Swan' tows Australia 11 out of Fishing Boat Harbour and
towards Bathers' Beach. Australia 11 sails off Bathers' Beach and then out to sea - weather
permitting
4.00pm (approx.) - Australia 11 returns to Kailis' Compound, Fishing Boat Harbour (off Mews Road).
This will be her base until she is loaded on board ship for England on June 26.

Sat, May 19 - Sat, June 10
Australia 11 Sailing - Sponsor Days and Crew Training
Sailing proposed every Saturday and Sunday from 12.00pm-5.00pm
Location: From Kailis Wharf, FishingBoat Harbour (off Mews Road)

Fri, June 22
Australia 11 Fundraising Dinner & Auction
Location: Sheraton Perth Hotel, Adelaide Tce, Perth
For tickets & tables: Kelly Scott at RPYC - Tel: (+61 8) 9423 5500

Tues, June 26 & Wed, June 27
Australia Departs on P & O Nedlloyd 'Contship Action'
Location: Fremantle Docks
Tues, June 26, Australia 11 load