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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The blue and white keel underneath the Australia II.

Australia II Winged Keel

Secret Keel Business

For the 1983 challenge designer Ben Lexcen asked the Maritime Research Institute in the Netherlands for help in testing his new keel shapes. Ben, the lateral thinker, turned the conventional keel upside down. Tests proved it to be superior. Then he added wings. Once again tests in the towing tank showed he had achieved a considerable breakthrough.

But would it work on the open water in a race?

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Deep Dives

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

Article

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 Australia II sails the water, its sail showing a large logo of the Western Australian Maritime Museum.

The Triumphant Challenger - Australia II

A national treasure- Australia II

Article

A large ornate silver trophy cup behind curved glass.

The Triumphant Challenger - Australia II

Everywhere you looked it was Australia II.

Article

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

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

Australia II's 1983 America's Cup Win

Distant Discoveries

Video

The blue and white keel underneath the Australia II.

The winged keel.
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.