1983 America's Cup 30th Anniversary Luncheon
Australians will have the chance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the country’s most famous sporting victories, the 1983 America’s Cup, at a special luncheon this September.
September 26, 1983, was the day that Australia II ended the longest winning streak in world sporting history, 132 years, defeating the American entry Liberty to claim the America’s Cup.The victory and its lasting impact in Australia will be celebrated 30 years on with a lunch at the Hilton Hotel Sydney on Thursday, September 26, 2013, bringing together many of the major players from the famous win.
The lunch will be the only gathering of the Australia II crew in Australia to mark the 30th anniversary, with skipper John Bertrand and crew to be joined by syndicate chairman Alan Bond.
Bertrand, Bond and the crew will take part in a discussion panel, giving an insight into the successful campaign and the effect it had on their lives and Australia.
Bertrand, who as well as being skipper of Australia II is chairman of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, said that there are a number of reasons why the 1983 victory remains so popular 30 years on.
“Looking back at 1983 Australia was coming out of a tough recession, we had been severely affected by bushfires and floods,” said Bertrand. “I think the way that we were able to come back from three-one down, with our backs against the wall to break the 132-year winning streak by the Americans captured the imagination of the Australian population, and in many ways continues to today.
“I look back at the campaign with pride and satisfaction at what we achieved,” he said. “It was the ultimate team performance, our team culture was of resilience. We came back from the dead to win and people have learnt a lot from that over the years. I look forward to giving people a better understanding of the inside story.”
The lunch will also bring together some of Australia’s current sailing champions, with money raised on the day assisting in the support of the country’s next group of elite sailors, through the Australian Sailing Team, Warren Jones Foundation and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Tickets are available for $297 each with the function being held from 12pm till 3pm on Thursday, September 26, at the Hilton Grand Ballroom, George St, Sydney.
More information on the 1983 America’s Cup 30th anniversary luncheon.