America's Cup legend - Australia II

In the build-up to the America's Cup Jubilee John Roberson looks back at the greatest moment in the Cup's history - Australia II's 1983 victory

On the waters off Rhode Island a frenzied spectator fleet of thousands of boats was closing in on Australia II, while her crew sat in stunned disbelief at what they'd achieved. Sailing on Bertrand's jubilant team were navigator Grant Simmer, tactician Hugh Treharn, Colin Beashel on main sheet with Will Baillieu, Brian Richardson and John Longley grinding, Ken Judge and Skip Lissiman trimming, Peter Costello on sewer, Phil Smidmore on mast and Damien Fewster on the bow.
At the Royal Perth Yacht Club, the teetotal prime minister of Australia, Bob Hawk, drenched in champagne, told the nation on television, "any boss who sacks an employee for being late today, is a bum."

In Sydney the morning rush hour across the famous harbour bridge just wasn't happening - no-one had left home.

In Earls Court, centre of London's Australian community, the pubs were overflowing into the streets as the ex-patriot community celebrated, and that story was repeated around the world.

Stories about where people were, how they heard the news, how they celebrated are as diverse and as entertaining as how people watched and celebrated man's first landing on the moon, and most Australians believe the two achievements to be of similar magnitude.

Though the controversial winged-keel on Australia II, designed by the eccentric genius Ben Lexcen, was popularly hailed as the 'breakthrough' design feature that won the Cup, there was much more to the winning formula than a pair of lead wings. The total concept was radically different from any previous 12 Metre, from the bottom of the famous wings to the top of the aluminium mast.

Australia II is believed to have the shortest waterline of any 12 Metre, and is certainly the shortest boat ever to challenge for the America's Cup. She has low overhangs, and a light displacement, which allow her to carry an increased sail area within the 12 Metre measurement formula. This is also a very manoeuvrable boat, giving her an advantage in pre-start jousting, and the lower centre of gravity that her 'upside-down' keel gave her, improved her sail carrying ability dramatically.

The sails too were a significant advance on anything used by previous challengers, and were designed by New Zealander (turned Australian for the challenge) Tom Schnackenberg. This man is described by many as a genius, and he has gone on to head the design teams for the Kiwis' successful 1995 challenge, and 2000 defence, and will lead them into the second defence in 2003.