- Australia II – 40 Years On exhibition at the WA Maritime Museum opens today
- The exhibition launch marks the start of the Cook Government’s September-long celebrations to recognise this momentous anniversary
- Visitors will be able to try on a replica ‘Bob Hawke’ jacket for a selfie with Bob, and view the newly commissioned Lego model of Australia II made by The Brickman, Ryan McNaught
- Free public transport to celebratory event on 24 September
Australia II – 40 Years On exhibition at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle has opened today, starting the Cook Government’s September-long celebrations to recognise the 40th anniversary of Australia II winning the America’s Cup in 1983.
The exhibition, which runs until 4 February 2024, takes visitors on a journey through the history of the America’s Cup race, the building of the winning team, the construction of the winning yacht, the celebration following the win, and the subsequent challenge in Fremantle in 1987.
It kicks off a month-long celebration, which will culminate in a free concert and drone show at Victoria Quay on Sunday, 24 September.
Free public transport across the network on 24 September has been announced today, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to join in the festivities.
The WA Maritime Museum is the permanent home of Australia II, and the only place you can see the yacht and its famous winged keel. In this new special exhibition, visitors can view other iconic objects not normally on display, including the original Boxing Kangaroo flags made by Australia II’s sailmakers and flown in Newport, and the keel plug (cast used to make the keel’s mould) for Ben Lexcen’s famous winged keel.
The exhibition’s centrepiece is a newly commissioned 25-minute film displayed on an eight-metre curved screen. The film recreates the race, build-up, and subsequent victory from the crew’s perspective via a mix of animation, interviews, photography, archival footage and soundscapes. The interviews are with eight original team members, including a rare interview with Eileen Bond.
As visitors journey to the end of the exhibition, they will have an opportunity to try on a replica ‘Bob Hawke’ jacket for a selfie with Bob, and view the newly commissioned Lego model of Australia II made by The Brickman, Ryan McNaught. Standing nearly 2 metres tall, it is made from 16,512 bricks.
The 1983 America’s Cup win put Australia on the global stage. It was an iconic historical moment that many Australians remember fondly.
As stated by Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti:
“Winning the America’s Cup in 1983 was such a fantastic sporting moment for Western Australia, and I still remember going out on a boat as a young girl four years later to watch it when the race came to Fremantle.
“I definitely encourage everyone to come down to the Maritime Museum and see this great exhibition – there’s a heap of other famous items that aren’t normally on display, including the original Boxing Kangaroo flags made by Australia II’s sailmakers.
“The victory was truly an iconic moment in our country’s history, and it’s great to reflect on it at this new special exhibition in the lead up to 24 September, when we’ll host the biggest party in the country to commemorate the historic win.
“I want as many people as possible to be able to join in the celebrations on 24 September, which is why I’m really pleased that we’re able to provide free public transport across the network.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“Forty years on, Australia II’s legendary victory over Liberty on 26 September 1983 still sits firmly in the hearts and minds of many Australians, as one of the most defining moments in Australian sporting history.
“Our talented Western Australian Museum staff have developed the Australia II – 40 Years On exhibition, and it is an outstanding reflection of the history and nostalgia of this iconic moment in time.
“Not only does it provide the opportunity to step back in time to the 80s, but the exhibition also celebrates modern sailing achievements.
“I encourage everyone to take a trip down memory lane and visit the exhibition in the lead-up to and across the September long weekend, when there will also be free entry to the WA Maritime Museum.”
Comments attributed to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
“The Australia II victory was an iconic moment in Australian sporting history, putting Fremantle firmly on the world stage.
Visitors to the exhibition can experience the thrill of the race, learn about the people behind the scenes, and witness the iconic innovation that spurred the Aussies to victory – all without the 1980s haircuts!
I encourage people to come on down to Fremantle, to make the most of the long weekend and join us in celebrating the original boxing kangaroo!”
