Boxing Kangaroo watch
Date1986 - 1987
Object number00000278
NameWatch
MediumMetal, rubber
DimensionsOverall: 220 x 31 x 10 mm, 50 g
ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Australian designed Boxing Kangaroo wrist watch was made in Hong Kong and is complete in its original packaging. Water resistant to 30 meters, the watch was marketed by Citron Australia as an official product under the exclusive licence of the America's Cup Yacht Race, which was held in Fremantle, Western Australia in 1987.
The prestigious competition was dominated by American competitiors until the AUSTRALIA II won in 1983 - breaking a 132-year winning streak.HistoryIn 1848 Queen Victoria instigated the creation of a golden cup, known as the 'One Hundred Guinea Cup' to be awarded for a yacht race. The competition would be open to all nations. In the inaugural race - held in conjunction with the Great Exhibition - on 22 August 1851, the United States built schooner AMERICA challenged 16 British vessels in the 85 kilometre race around the Isle of Wight.
Designed by New York Yacht Club member George Steers, for Commodore John Cox Stevens, the schooner yacht AMERICA was built as a deliberate challenge to the British designed vessels that were dominating the sport of yachting.
The AMERICA was triumphant, and the ornate One Hundred Guinea Cup became known as the America's Cup thereafter. It was not until 1983 that a challenger would take the cup from the New York Yacht Club - the AUSTRALIA II of the Royal Perth Yacht Club skippered by John Bertrand. America's 132-year winning streak was finally broken.
In 1987 the America's Cup was organised by the defending Royal Perth Yacht Club, and was held off Fremantle, Western Australia. Major redevelopments were undertaken in preparation for the race, including the construction of Challenger Harbour adjacent to the existing Fishing Boat Harbour. Fremantle became the centre of worldwide attention as thousands of spectators watched the competition, which saw San Diego Yacht Club's STARS & STRIPES 87 reclaim the cup from the defending Royal Perth Yacht Club's KOOKABURRA III.
The America's Cup is still in operation today and one of the most respected and prestigious sailing competitions to be held in the world.
SignificanceThis watch is an example of souveniers produced to commemorate the 1987 America's Cup Yacht Race staged in Fremantle, Western Australia and organised by the Royal Perth Yacht Club. The race put Australia in the international spotlight, and was the last America's Cup race to be contested by 12 metre yachts.
