Australian team blazer, Moscow Olympics 1980
Date1980
Object number00045865
NameBlazer
MediumWool and polyester mix
DimensionsOverall: 820 x 480 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mark Bethwaite
HistoryAustralians first competed at the Olympics in London in 1948 in the Firefly class and Star class. In 1952 at the Helsinki Games Australians competed in the Dragon class, Starr class and Finn class. At the 1956 Melbourne Games Rolly Tasker and Huck Cott of Western Australia won Australia's first sailing Olympic medal coming second in the 12m Sharpie class. At the Rome Games in 1960 Australians competed in the 5.5 class, Finn class and Star class. In 1964 Bill Northam, then 60 years old, won Australia's first gold medal in yachting at the Tokyo Games ion what was his first international regatta. In 1968 at the Mexico Games Australians competed in the Dragon class, Finn class, Star class and Flying Dutchman class.
In 1972 at the Munich Olympic Games Australian won gold in the Dragon class and Star class. Mark Bethwaite competed as helmsman in the Flying Dutchman class and was placed 8th. Australians also competed in the Tempest and Soling classes.
In 1976 at the Montreal Olympics Australian crews took bronze medals in the Finn and 470 classes and were placed 4th in the Tornado class. Mark Bethwaite competed in the Flying Dutchman class as helmsman and was placed 9th.
In 1980 Australian crews were selected to compete in the Soling, Flying Dutchman, Tornado, Star, 470 and Finn class. Mark Bethwaite was an emergency crew member.
Under direction form the Australian Government the Australian Yachting Federation boycotted the Moscow Games due to the former Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
Mark Bethwaite was world champion in the Soling and J24 classes in 1982 and names Australian yachtsman of the Year. Since then he has won the world title in the Laster Masters in 2000 and the World title in the Laser Grand Masters 2003-4.
