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Australia America's Cup Victory

2008 Fifty Cent

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The America's Cup Victory back in 1993 was an inspiration to all Australians in their chosen pursuit. The commemorative issue was in celebration of Australia's famous victory in the big race. Following its amazing victory, the yacht was bought by the Australian Government and now sits in a museum at the Victoria Quay in Fremantle for everyone to come and see (Western Australia Museum, 2013) .

The reverse was designed by Caitlin Goodall and shows her impression of the famous yacht in action during the event and detailing its special keel. It also has the legend 25TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIA II VICTORY along with the denomination 50. The obverse features an Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, right-facing and crowned. It contains the legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2008.

History was made on the 26th September 1983 by Australia II when it won the prestigious and oldest sporting trophy in world history, the America's Cup race. The race that had been dominated by the Americans and the New York Yacht Club now had a new champion. It also brought to an end the longest winning streak in history, the cup had been won for 132 consecutive years prior to the arrival of Australia II. Australia II had been designed by Ben Lexcen and concealed a secret weapon. He had incorporated a new winged keel that gave them a slight advantage. The yacht was built by Steve Ward in Cottesloe and then based in Perth as was the crew. It was to represent the Royal Perth Yacht Club and skippered by John Bertrand. During the first race, Australia II suffered some technical faults and this hampered then in the second too. After fixing the problem, they bounced back and took the third, fifth and sixth races to draw level and produce a seventh event which was unheard of. The deciding race was a close run affair but Australia II prevailed and received world recognition.