- A special exhibition and public celebration to mark 40 years sinceAustralia IIwon the America's Cup
- The exhibition titledAustralia II: 40 Years Onwill include a brand-new film featuring untold stories by the 1983 winning team members
- The exhibition will run from 9 September 2023 to 4 February 2024
A special exhibition and public celebration to mark 40 years since Australia II won the America's Cup will take place at the yacht's permanent home, the WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, in September 2023.
The exhibition titled Australia II: 40 Years On will include a brand-new film featuring untold stories by the 1983 winning team members.
WA-based crew members John Longley and Skip Lissiman are among those who have been filmed sharing their memories of the historic victory in 1983, and Australia II Captain John Bertrand AO, will also feature in the exhibition video. Eileen "Big Red" Bond makes a rare media appearance in the film, revealing her experiences on the New York Yacht Club social scene and what it was like on tender boat Black Swanduring the race.
The film featuring archive footage and photography, digital animation and soundscapes will be screened inside the exhibition on an eight-metre curved screen.
Visitors to the WA Maritime Museum will be able to inspect Australia II and its famous winged keel, designed by Ben Lexcen AM.
The exhibition will also include two rarely seen original boxing kangaroo flags flown at Newport, Rhode Island, site of the victory, as well as model yachts and sailing-themed interactive exhibits.
The WA Museum has been collaborating with the State Library, State Records Office, and Royal Perth Yacht Club ahead of the exhibition which will run from 9 September 2023 to 4 February 2024.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"I am proud to confirm the Cook Labor Government's support of this momentous anniversary through the WA Maritime Museum exhibition and additional celebrations planned for the Victoria Quay precinct.
"Australia II's legendary victory over Liberty in Newport, Rhode Island, is still firmly in the hearts and minds of many Australians forty years on. The Boxing Kangaroo emblem; Men at Work's unforgettable anthem Down Under; there are so many vivid memories from this time.
"The seven-part race seemed unwinnable at 1-3 down and with New York Yacht Club having held the America's Cup since 1851, but we won and in the most dramatic fashion!
"It's wonderful to have a WA Maritime Museum exhibition to revisit historic moments that made this such a stand-out event for Australia. I am also looking forward to marking the anniversary at Victoria Quay for all to enjoy."
