Admiral’s Cup- A unique reunion full of classic memories

by Tracey Johnstone on 18 Nov 2010 A proud part of Australia’s sailing history was celebrated last night when members of Australian Admiral’s Cup teams gathered for a unique opportunity to reunite with fellow team members.

Over dinner at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney fellow old salts had the opportunity to travel down ocean racing’s memory lane as they reminisced about the challenges, hardships and fun of competing in what was for 42 years the premier international ocean racing regatta. [Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
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It was event organisers Peter Hemery and Peter Shipway’s dream to create an opportunity for the aging sailors to come together to celebrate Australia’s history. This was certainly achieved as the volume in the room increasing as each one arrived and greeted their mates.

Gorgon Ingate, Don Calvert, Syd Fischer, Bob Oatley, Hugh Treharne, John Munson, Tony Ellis, Tim Bold, Henry Patterson, Peter Elliott, Gary Appleby, Bob Fraser, Steven Kulmar, Simon Kurts, Tony de Young, Colin Betts, John Stanley, Tryge Halvorsen, Norman Ryde, Ken Down, Peter Hemery, Greg Johnston and many, many more famous and not so well-known Admiral’s Cup sailors enjoyed a great night of memories and mateship. [Sorry, this content could not be displayed]

Topping off the night of stories (thanks to Shippers for his wonderful short history of the Admiral's Cup which included some stories that some of boat owners didn’t even know until last night) was the presentation of the Admiral’s Cup, that is, the actual trophy.

Still held under the careful eye of Bob Oatley, the magnificent trophy was displayed proudly. Apparently the trophy remains under the safeguard of the team that won it until the next Admiral’s Cup...[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
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Conducted by England’s Royal Ocean Racing Club, the first Admiral’s Cup was held in 1957. Australian teams competed in 17 of the 19 cups winning twice, in 1967 and 1979. Racing under a new format in 2003, cup honours were taken out by the team of Wild Oats and Aftershock from Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in NSW.

Australia debuted in the cup in 1965 with Freya, Camille and Caprice of Huon. In the ensuing years the following teams ensured Australia developed a fearsome and proud history in the Admiral’s Cup.

1967 - Mercedes III, Balandra, Caprice of Huon
1969 – Ragamuffin, Koomooloo, Mercedes III
1971 – Salacia II, Ragamuffin, Koomooloo
1973 – Apollo II, Gingko, Ragamuffin
1975 – Love & War, Bumblebee 3, Mercedes IV
1977 – Superstar, Ragamuffin, Runaway
1979 - Police Car, Impetuous, Ragamuffin
1981 – Hitchhiker, Apollo 5, Ragamuffin
1983 – Bondi Tram, Hitchhiker, Once More Dear Friends
1985 – Intrigue, Challenge III, Drakes Prayer
1987 – Madeline’s Daughter, Ultimate Challenge, Sagacious V
1989 - Madeline’s Daughter, True Blue, Joint Venture III
1991 – Cyclone, Bimblegumbie, Shadana II
1993 – Ninja, Great News II, Ragamuffin
Not 1995
1997 – Ragamuffin, G’Net, Sea
1999 – Quest, Sledgehammer, Atara

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