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

Australia II Computer

Crunching the Numbers

Sailing is an inexact science. The variables are infinite. And that's before you add the human element.

In 1983 the Australia I syndicate realised they had a potential winner. But they needed to know how their yacht was going. Enter the computer.

Radio signals from Australia II were beamed to a computer situated on support vessel Black Swan. These signals carried vital data about Australia Il's performance. This information proved to be a significant weapon in the war to win the Cup.

Deep Dives

A white beer coaster, discoloured with age. A yacht is depicted. Text reads "Swan Lager: Winning the world over. Official sponsor, America's Cup Challenge 1983."

Playing the Long Game - Australia's America's Cup Challenges

The long road to final victory - winning the America's Cup

Article

The Triumphant Challenger - Australia II

A national treasure- Australia II

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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.

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The blue and white keel underneath the Australia II.

The Secret Weapon - Australia II's Winged Keel

Yachting's greatest secret revealed - the winged keel

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

Any boss who sacks a worker for not coming in today

Celebration of triumph. Yes, it really is 'that jacket', but was it Bob Hawke's?

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A letter from Reagan

Ronald Reagan's message to Bob Hawke

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A friendly Museum staff member next to the famous Bob Hawke jacket.

Australia II's 1983 America's Cup Win

Distant Discoveries

Video

The Data General computer on support vessel Black Swan.
Credit: WA Museum