AUSTRALIA II crew with Alan Bond and Bob Hawke
Date1983
Object number00055108
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotograph, Black and white photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 270 × 275 mm
Image: 197 × 250 mm
Image: 197 × 250 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionTThe America’s Cup has been the most prestigious trophy for yachting and internationally is one of the most significant trophies and contests in any sport. Up until 1983 it had been held by the USA and the New York Yacht Club for 132 years, the longest winning streak in sporting history. The Cup was symbol of American supremacy, and had traditionally been a race between the USA and England, the two strongest yachting nations. When Australia challenged for the cup it was seen as a David and Goliath contest, but after Australia won races and showed strong challenges in 1962 and 1970 there was considerably more respect for them from the American yachtsmen.
Defending and retaining the Cup, which was bolted to the pedestal in the NYYC, was matter of intense pride and when it was lost to AUSTRALIA II in 1983 the NYYC handed it over in a well-managed presentation.
The significance of the win was then further enhanced by the White House. They understood that this was a moment of engagement between Australia and America deserving the highest recognition, so they organised a meeting with the President Ronald Reagan to give his own and the county's congratulations to the Australian team.
HistoryBen Lexcen (formerly Bob Miller) 1936-1988 was one of Australia’s principle yacht designers from the 1960s until his death in 1988. He created a number of revolutionary and unorthodox designs and gained International respect. The ocean racing yachts MERCEDES III, APOLLO and GINGKO were amongst his most significant designs, along with the IYRU Contender Class single handed dinghy, and the 18-foot skiffs TAIPAN and VENOM. He was the designer of America’s Cup boats from 1974 until 1987, including SOUTHERN CROSS and AUSTRALIA and was the designer for AUSTRALIA II which won the America's Cup in 1983, a major National and International sporting achievement.
His career began under the name Bob Miller, and formed a sail making and design partnership with Craig Whitworth during the 1960s called Miller & Whitworth, which lasted until the mid-1970s. At that time he changed his name to Ben Lexcen, and had a brief design partnership with Johan Valentjin to design AUSTRALIA KA5 and other yachts. This was disbanded around 1978, and he worked under the Lexcen name with a small staff based in his home at David Place Seaforth. After the design of AUSTRALIA II for the 1983 America’s Cup win he established a drawing office which included Peter Lowe as a senior partner. This became Lexcen Lowe Design and a few years after he died it became Peter Lowe Design.
SignificanceThe two photographs of the President Ronald Reagan congratulating the Australian team on their momentous win in the 1983 America's Cup are each hand signed, one by the President and one by Australia's Prime Minister Bob Hawke. They are key mementos held by Ben Lexcen of this famous event. They have remained in his and his family's possession.
The photo of the event records and event that is a symbol of the strong relationship between the two countries, and shows the US recognition of Australia as an important friend and a worthy sporting competitor.
