What was Australia II?
Australia II was the yacht that won the America's Cup in 1983, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132-year winning streak. It was the first time a challenger had won the famous sailing trophy.
The yacht was funded by businessman Alan Bond and skippered by John Bertrand. It was designed by Ben Lexcen, who created its revolutionary winged keel.
The winged keel made the boat more maneuverable and faster in some conditions. Its design was kept secret, with the keel hidden under a skirt while the yacht was out of the water.
The famous comeback
The series was held off Newport, Rhode Island, in September 1983. Australia II fell behind 3-1 against the American defender Liberty but won three races in a row to win the series 4-3.
The victory sparked huge celebrations in Australia. Prime Minister Bob Hawke famously said that any boss who sacked a worker for not turning up that day was a bum.
Australia defended the Cup in 1987 in Fremantle but lost to the United States. Australia II is now displayed at the Western Australian Museum in Fremantle.
Did You Know?
The America's Cup is one of the oldest trophies in international sport, first contested in 1851.