The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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A large ornate silver trophy cup behind curved glass.

The Triumphant Challenger - Australia II

Everywhere you looked it was Australia II.

The America’s Cup is one of the oldest events in sporting history. First known as the Queen’s Cup, the inaugural regatta was held at the Isle of Wight in 1851. It was won by the entrant from the New York Yacht Club, America. Rather cheekily, the crew had cut across the course, getting ahead of the other yachts, but it was still classed as a win. The Cup, now renamed the America’s Cup, remained firmly in the hands of the New York Yacht Club for the next 132 years. Then, in September 1983, a syndicate led by entrepreneur Alan Bond won the cup in spectacular fashion.

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Hero Objects

A 1980s computer mounted next to a glass display case, beneath the Australia II.

Australia II Computer

Crunching the Numbers

A white men's jacket with "Australia" and Australian iconography repeated over its entire surface.

Bob Hawke Jacket

America's Cup

An old blue milk carton labelled 'Masters Milk.' The expiry date is November 1983.

Milk Carton

America'a Cup

The Australia II on display in the gallery, the America's Cup replica in the foreground.

Australia II and America's Cup

Making History

The blue and white keel underneath the Australia II.

Australia II Winged Keel

Secret Keel Business

A large ornate silver trophy cup behind curved glass.

The America's Cup replica, on display at the Museum.
Credit: WA Museum

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.