1987 America's Cup

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Harbour city of Fremantle, showing the purpose built Challenger Harbour in the extreme foreground with Fishing Boat Harbour behind it. Fremantle Sailing Club is further to the right and just out of view. The competing syndicates were based in these harbours.
Harbour city of Fremantle, showing the purpose built Challenger Harbour in the extreme foreground with Fishing Boat Harbour behind it. Fremantle Sailing Club is further to the right and just out of view. The competing syndicates were based in these harbours.

The 1987 America's Cup was the twenty-seventh running of the America's Cup regatta and the first time for 132 years that it had not been hosted by the New York Yacht Club.

American syndicate Stars & Stripes, sailed by Dennis Conner, beat Kookaburra III, sailed by Iain Murray, by four wins to nil in the best of seven final series.[1] Conner, the winning skipper had thus become the first person to lose the America's Cup, and the first to win it back.

The series was held in Gage Roads off Fremantle, Western Australia between December 1986 and February 1987. The Royal Perth Yacht Club was the defending club and the organiser of the defence series.[2] Yacht Club Costa Smeralda of Porto Cervo, Sardinia was appointed the challenger of record and was the organiser the challenger series.[3][4]

The 1987 Series was the last time that 12-metre class yachts were used in the America's Cup.[5]

Contents

[edit] Background

The 1983 America's Cup off Newport, Rhode Island was arguably one of the most significant in the history of the Cup. Alan Bond's Australia II pulled off a major upset by winning the series from Conner's Liberty to become the first successful challenger in 132 years. The New York Yacht Club had previously enjoyed the longest winning streak in international sporting history, having successfully defended the trophy over twenty challenges.

Most previous challengers had been from the United Kingdom - notably by Scotsman Sir Thomas Lipton who had challenged five times between 1899 and 1930 in his 37 metres (120 ft) Shamrock sloops. Australia mounted its first challenge in 1962 with 12-Metre Class yachts when Sir Frank Packer and his Gretel were beaten 4-1. Packer made more challenges, with Dame Pattie and Gretel II.[6] Alan Bond mounted his first challenge in 1974 with Southern Cross, followed by Australia in 1977 and 1980 and ultimately had success with Australia II in 1983.[7]

It was in this context that the 1987 series was seen as the best chance yet for challengers, being finally outside the control of the NYCC and held in a location with strong but variable breezes, unlike the predictable and placid winds off Rhode Island. The regatta therefore attracted enormous additional interest over previous series.

[edit] Staging issues

Following the 1983 win, there was some speculation over the location of the defence, with three candidates considered.[6] Alan Bond had in the late 1970s, developed a marina and a large associated housing development north of Yanchep called "Yanchep Sun City" (now known as Two Rocks), about one hour's drive north of Perth. The marina was built with an expectation of success from earlier America's Cup challenges. The second candidate was the town of Mandurah, a similar distance south of Perth. The last, and ultimately successful location considered was Fremantle as the required infrastructure at the other two locations were considered inadequate. Also, the proximity to the major population centre of Perth and its international airport were seen as an important factor.

Fremantle had been, for most of its life a sleepy working-class port city with a population of less than 40,000[citation needed]. Private investment and public infrastructure redevelopment commenced on massive scale soon after the realisation of the scale of expected influx of visitors. In the end, 14 challenging syndicates from six countries and four defence syndicates arrived with a fleet of 29 12-Metre boats.

"Home of the America's Cup" vehicle registration plate
"Home of the America's Cup" vehicle registration plate

In 1985 Des Dans was appointed the Minister for the America's Cup to coordinate the government response. An "Office of America's Cup Defence" was setup also.[8] The state government embarked on a number of projects such as Hillarys Boat Harbour and extensions to the Perth to Fremantle railway line.[8] A new marina, Challenger Harbour[9][10] was built alongside the existing Fishing Boat Harbour, and the state government received funding from each defence syndicate, a total of $2.3M, to offset costs associated with the harbour works of $8M.[11] Vehicle registration plate slogans in Western Australia changed from The Wildflower State and the State of Excitement to W.A. Home of the America's Cup [12] In 1985 and 1986 changes in liquor laws and trading hours regulations were made to expand services for visitors.[citation needed]

A Festival of Sport was conducted in late 1986, early 1987 which included a cricket Test[13] and One Day International tournament, athletics, hockey, basketball, squash, golf, racing, trotting, cycling, football, baseball, lawn bowls, karate and kick-boxing competitions.[8] A heavy-weight boxing title fight[citation needed] and a World Sprint Car Championship were held in early January.[14]

The cruise ship Achille Lauro was chartered by a private group for the duration of the series, to act as a viewing platform and accommodation for 1,400 visitors. It also housed the international jury which oversaw the races.[8] Other cruise ships which visited the port for the races included Island Princess and several Royal Viking vessels.[15]

[edit] 1986 12-Metre World Championships

In January and February 1986, the 12-Metre World Championships were staged off Fremantle as a precursor to the America's Cup event commencing the following January.[16] A dozen syndicates competed mainly as a shakedown series to determine their relative competitiveness and to train crews for the anticipated heavy conditions. Strong winds throughout most of the regatta resulted in four of the 90-ft. masts, a dozen booms and numerous sails being destroyed. Five crewmen were washed overboard during the races. Gary Jobson, of the 'Heart of America' syndicate declared that the Fremantle waters were "unsuitable for racing."[16]

Australia III, a heavy-weather Ben Lexcen designed successor to Australia II won the series comfortably. New Zealand II, one of the so-called "plastic-fantastic" fibreglass 12-metres came second, and the New York Yacht Club entrant America II came in third.

[edit] Course

The America's Cup course
The America's Cup course

The Fremantle Fairway Buoy 31°57′9.0″S 115°38′48.12″E / -31.9525, 115.6467[17] was renamed the "America's Cup Buoy" for the duration of the event and marked one end of the start and finish lines for each America's Cup race.[8] Races in the challenge and defence elimination trials used other markers in the general vicinity. The buoy is a permanent navigation marker used for shipping in and out of Fremantle harbour and is located 8 nautical miles (15 km) west-north-west of the harbour in Gage Roads.[18] or 5.5 nautical miles (10.2 km) due west of City Beach.

The orientation of the course was set such that the starting line was square to the prevailing wind 20 minutes before each race start. Races were 24.3 nautical miles (45.0 km) long, consisting of beats into the wind in legs 1, 3, 6 and 8; downwind runs on legs 2 and 7; and reaches on legs 4 and 5.[19]

[edit] Defenders

Four syndicates competed for the right to represent the Royal Perth Yacht Club as the defender of the America's Cup.

Australia II, III and IV
The highest profile syndicate was the professional and well funded Alan Bond group which had won the 1983 Cup and which had a wealth of experience, having been to Newport as challengers in 1974, 1977, 1980 and 1983. The syndicate was known as "The America's Cup Defence 1987 Ltd." Close Bond confidante Warren Jones was the syndicate director and veteran 12-Metre helmsman John Longley managed the day-to-day business. Four helmsmen were used in rotation: Colin Beashel, Hugh Treharne, Gordon Lucas and Carl Ryves, with Beashel taking the skipper role in the finals. Beashel and Treharne had extensive previous 12-Metre experience.[20][21]
Australia II's skipper John Bertrand had published a controversial biography in mid-1985 titled Born to Win which, according to the book, told how he was almost predestined to win the Cup, and it was his motivational skills which were responsible for victory.[22] The apparent self-promotion caused Bertrand to become out of favour with Bond and his team and he had minimal involvement with the 1987 defence other than as a media commentator.
Two sister boats to Australia II were built, Australia III (KA-9) which was launched on 27 September 1985 and much later Australia IV (KA-16).[23] Australia III's launch was a stage managed event with a lavish ceremony at Royal Perth Yacht Club which included Bond's wife Eileen naming the boat. It was built at Cottesloe by boatbuilder Stephen Ward and designed by Ben Lexcen, the same team which had produced Australia II. The launch culminated in a sedate sail in the Swan River watched by thousands of spectators.[20]
South Australia
The South Australian government provided a $1M subsidy to a syndicate of businessmen led by Adelaide advertising executive Roger Lloyd who contracted Lexcen to design a boat called South Australia (KA-8).[23] The group included support from 150 companies.[20] For $600,000 the group received a new boat which was also built at Ward's boatyard with a similar design to Australia II. As well as design and construction, the syndicate had also contracted with the Australia II team to provide basic crew training. As soon as South Australia was launched, trials between it and Australia II were held and the results considered before the design of Australia III was finalised.[20]
National small boat champion Fred Neill initially skippered South Australia with 12-Metre veteran Sir James Hardy. Hardy later stood down as skipper but stayed on with the syndicate.[20] New South Welshman Phil Thompson was appointed helmsman and, following poor early showings, became the replacement skipper.
Kookaburra I, II and III
The third syndicate was a well funded group known as Taskforce '87 and headed by Perth businessman Kevin Parry. Taskforce '87 built three boats, Kookaburra (KA-11), Kookaburra II (KA-12) and Kookaburra III (KA-15).[23] The skipper on the Kookaburra boats was Iain Murray and the helmsman was Peter Gilmour[24] The Kookaburra boats were designed by John Swarbrick.
Steak'n'Kidney
An eastern states team headed by Syd Fischer purchased Australia I as a trial boat while a new boat designed by Peter Cole was built. The oddly named Steak'n'Kidney (KA-14, named after a type of Australian meat pie) was launched relatively late in the campaign at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House in April 1986.[20][23]
The design was selected by Cole after testing 20 possible designs at the Netherlands Ship Model Basin during 1985. The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was the syndicates sponsoring club, and Gary Sheard, an Olympian in Solings was skipper.

[edit] Defender series

The defender series races were sailed on the America's Cup course with the top four boats of Series A, B and C going to the Series D semi-finals. The top two boats entered the finals and the winner entered the America's Cup series as the defender.[8] Every boat raced each other twice in the first 3 series.

Series A: October 18 to 30
Series B: November 9 to 21
Series C: December 2 to 20
Series D: December 27 to January 28
Finals: January 14 to 27

The six competing boats from four syndicates were Kookaburra II (KA-12), Kookaburra III (KA-15), Australia III (KA-9), Australia IV (KA-16), Steak'n'Kidney (KA-14) and South Australia (KA-8).[23]

The defender semi-finals were held from 27 December to 9 January between Kookaburra II, Kookaburra III, Australia IV and Steak'n'Kidney after which Kookaburra II and Steak'n'Kidney were eliminated.[1] The final of the defender selection series was held from January 14 to 20 January. Kookaburra III was selected as the official defender.

[edit] Challengers

Fourteen syndicates from six countries (Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States) competed in 25(?) boats for the right to challenge. The first syndicates arrived in Fremantle in 1984 with most having established a presence by late 1985 for the 1986 12-Metre World Championships.

It was estimated that the foreign syndicates spent $200M in the challenge efforts.[25]

America II (USA)
The syndicate from New York Yacht Club was the first foreign syndicate to arrive at Fremantle in 1984. It had two 12-Metre boats, US-42 and US-44 (both named America II) sailing in the following year, skippered by John Kolius. A third sister boat, US-46 arrived shortly after. The challenge cost the NYYC $15M.[25]
Heart of America (USA)
Chicago Yacht Club. Used 1980 defender Clipper as a trial horse. Faced and won a United States Supreme Court challenge that Lake Michigan were actually an "arm of the sea" as required by the Deed of Gift.[26][27]
Eagle (USA)
Newport Harbour Yacht Club. The Eagle syndicate was based in Newport Harbor, California. Skipper was Rod Davies and designer was Johan Valentijn. The syndicate purchased "Magic" a 1983 light displacement Johan Valentijn design and retrofitted the vessel with a Joop Sloof designed wing keel similar to "Australia II". Magic was fitted with Optim data acquisition equipment and extensively tested in Newport, Rhode Island. Data from these tests, large scale model testing and design assistance from Boeing, and Chrysler senior engineers resulted in Johan Valentijn's design Eagle. This 12 meter was close in size to "Liberty", but due to a very low center of gravity winged keel design was optimised for Fremantle conditions. Only "Eagle" was shipped to Perth.
USA (USA)
St Francis Yacht Club, Golden Gate Challenge from California. Skipper was Tom Blackaller, who had skippered Defender in the 1980 America's Cup.
Stars and Stripes (4 boats) (USA)
San Diego Yacht Club, Sail America Foundation. Led by Dennis Conner. Trialled off Hawaii in secrecy.
After the 1983 loss, Conner and his syndicate commissioned four boats, Stars and Stripes '83 (US-53) (which was actually a modified Spirit Of America (US-34), built in 1982[5]), Stars and Stripes '85 (US-54), Stars and Stripes '86 (US-56) and Stars and Stripes '87 (US-55).
Courageous III (USA)
Yale Corinthian Yacht Club. Trained in Bermuda. Withdrew from the competition in October 1986.[25]
Italia I and II (Italy)
Consorzio Italia syndicate, backed by Gucci.
Azzurra II, III and IV (Italy)
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda challenge, backed by the Aga Khan. Azzurra I (I-4) competed in the 1983 America's Cup at Newport. Azzurra II (I-8) managed to come fifth in the 1986 World Championships, a disappointing result which prompted the construction of two new boats, Azzurra III (I-10) and IV (I-11), from competing designers.[8]
French Kiss (F-7) (France)
Societe des Regates Rochelaise syndicate. Skipper was Yves Pajot. The boat performed well, winning the second and seventh race in the World Championship series.
Syndicate was owned by French businessman, Serge Crasnianski who invested $10 million in the challenge. He later estimated that the venture may have cost his company as much as $70 million in lost revenue. His company, KIS France developed an instant photo development system in 1981 which cornered 60 percent of the world photo laboratory market.[28][29] The RPYC challenged the legality of the French Kiss name, claiming that it was too commercial being associated with the KIS photo-labs. The name was subsequently cleared by an international jury however.
Challenge 12 (France)
Societe Nautique de Marseilles challenge using former Australian boat. Skipper Marc Pajot, brother of Yves Pajot (French Kiss syndicate skipper)
Kiwi Magic (three boats), also known as New Zealand I, II and III (New Zealand)
Originally backed by Marcel Fachler, and later Michael Fay. Fibreglass boats designed by Ron Holland, Bruce Farr and Laurie Davidson. Skippered by Chris Dickson.
True North (Canada)
Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, Canada. Trialled against the Chicago Y.C. owned, Clipper in the Great Lakes. A planned second boat Franc Nord did not come to fruition. True North was heavily modified after the World Championships.
Canada I and II (Canada)
Secret Cove Yacht Club, British Columbia. Although all of the boats came to Fremantle, ultimately the two Canadian syndicates combined forces due to depleted funds and campaigned Canada II which had been proven to be the faster boat in trials.
Crusader I and II (United Kingdom)
Royal Thames Yacht Club. Basic Crusader I design was based heavily on Australia II and was designed by Ian Howlett. Crusader II was of a more radical design and designed by David Hollam. The syndicate was strongly criticised for being a late arrival at Fremantle, with boats not sailing until April 1986. The deadline for acceptance of challenges was 1 April 1986 and Admiral Sir Ian Easton wrote his own personal cheque for $16,000 as a entry fee deposit. Harold Cudmore acted as skipper-tactician and handed over to helmsman Chris Law for the remainder of the races.

[edit] Challenger series

See also: Louis Vuitton Cup

Conner had only decided on which of his last two boats to use a few days before the series commenced.[citation needed] US-55 was a heavy-weather boat, ideally suited for the strong winds off Fremantle[30] - the second race in the finals had wind speeds up to 23 knots and swells up to 1.2 metres,[1] fairly typical conditions off Fremantle at that time of the year.[citation needed]

The Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger elimination series consisted of seven races each race day, sailed on two Olympic courses in a round robin series.[8] The four top scoring boats went to the semi-finals and the top two of these went to the finals which consisted of a best-of-seven series which was raced on the America's Cup course.

Round robin 1: October 5 to 20
Round robin 2: November 2 to 19
Round robin 3: December 2 to 19
Semi-finals: December 29 to January 7
Finals: January 13 to 23

The series saw Conner win 11 races from 12 starts in the first round-robin of the elimination. In the second, he had seven wins and four defeats. Round-robin 3 saw him win nine and lose two.[31]

The semi-final races were between Conner and fellow American Tom Blackaller in USA (US-61), which Conner won 4–0. The final races were between the New Zealand syndicate's Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) sailed by Chris Dickson, however Dickson managed just one win in the finals. Conner won the final series and went on to challenge for the America's Cup in Stars and Stripes '87.

[edit] The America's Cup

The best-of-seven final series were scheduled to be held between 31 January and 15 February 1987.[1] With a four-nil result however, the final race was staged on 4 February.

Race 1 31 January: Course direction: 225° on leg one. Wind speed: 8 to 18 knots. Stars & Stripes beat Kookaburra III by one minute and 41 seconds.
Race 2 1 February: Course direction: 195° on leg one. Stars & Stripes beat Kookaburra III by one minute and 10 seconds.
Race 3 2 February: Course direction: 210° on leg one. Stars & Stripes beat Kookaburra III by one minute and 46 seconds.
Race 4 4 February: Course direction: 220° on leg one. Changed to 210° on leg three. Stars & Stripes beat Kookaburra III by one minute and 59 seconds.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Kookaburra III - KA 15. 32nd America's Cup. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  2. ^ History. Royal Perth Yacht Club. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  3. ^ "Costa Smeralda Yacht Club of Sardinia appointed challenger of record", The West Australian, 18 Sept 1984. 
  4. ^ Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  5. ^ a b The America's Cup A History 1851 - 2003. Sail World. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  6. ^ a b Eileen Westley (1983). America's Cup '83. John Fairfax Marketing. ISBN 0909558361. 
  7. ^ Fremantle 1987, Western Australia: a lightning passage!. Valencia 32nd America's Cup (14.02.2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-25.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Keith Taylor (ed) (1986). The America's Cup defence. Wilke and Company, Victoria. ISBN 0864110545. 
  9. ^ Fremantle Challenger Harbour. Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  10. ^ Challenger Harbour aerial view. Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  11. ^ Dale p.176 The West 25/1/85
  12. ^ Dale p.171 The West 25/1/85
  13. ^ The Ashes, 1986/87, 2nd Test. Cricinfo. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  14. ^ Dennis Nelwyn. The Sprintcar Revolution in Australia. Speedway Racing News. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  15. ^ John Brannon Albright (October 12, 1986). Getting Close to the Action in Perth; Finding a Berth For The Races. Time.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-18.
  16. ^ a b Philip Elmer-Dewitt. (March 03, 1986). "Dirty and Short" Down Under. Time. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.
  17. ^ Australian Notices to Mariners. Australian Hydrographic Office (23 October 1998). Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
  18. ^ Port Information. Fremantle Ports. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
  19. ^ Map of Fremantle America's Cup Course. Americascup.com. Retrieved on 2008-03-22.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Gary Lester and Richard Sleeman (1986). The America's Cup 1851-987 : Sailing For Supremacy. Lester-Townsend Publishing Pty Ltd, Sydney. ISBN 0949853089. 
  21. ^ Rayer, Ranulf (1986). The paintings of the America's cup 1851-1987, text by Ranulf Rayner; paintings by Tim Thompson; forward by Ted Turner. Heinemann, Richmond, Vic. ISBN 0855610646. 
  22. ^ Bertrand, John (1985). Born to win : a lifelong struggle to capture the America's Cup (as told to Patrick Robinson). Bantam Books, Sydney. ISBN 0553051180. 
  23. ^ a b c d e Sail numbers Twelve metre yachts by country. "TRIVIA". Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  24. ^ Japan - Americas Cup. Aussie Skipper, Japanese Boat. Foreign Correspondent (5/10/1999). Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  25. ^ a b c J.D. Reed (Dec. 29, 1986). Victory for "Plastic Fantastic". Time. Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  26. ^ Interpretive Resolutions to the Deed Of Gift for the America's Cup. America3 Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  27. ^ The SailingNews page. www.sailtexas.com (October 2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  28. ^ Barbara Lloyd (January 2, 1987). America;s Cup; Backer of French yacht finds no boon in Racing. New York Times. Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  29. ^ Cashing In On Hurry Up. CNN (February 4, 1985). Retrieved on 2008-02-29.
  30. ^ Halsey C. Herreshoff. History of America's Cup Racing. www.herreshoff.org. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  31. ^ Fremantle - Wednesday, February 4th, 1987, the revenge of the United States. 32nd America's Cup (04.02.2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-23.

[edit] Further reading

  • Campbell, Peter.(1986) The contenders : the America’s Cup challenge 1987 (with Phil Smidmore and Nigel Lovell). Sydney: Golden Press. ISBN 0730203255
  • Conner, Dennis. (1987) Comeback : my race for the America's Cup with Bruce Stannard; foreword by Walter Cronkite; Paul C. Larson consulting editor. South Melbourne: Macmillan. ISBN 0333450566
  • Conner, Dennis. (1988) No excuse to lose with John Rousmaniere. London: Adlard Coles. ISBN 0229118216
  • Dale, Anthony (1986) In Quest of the Holy Grail: W.A. and the America's Cup pp.171-185 in O'Brien, Patrick (editor) The Burke Ambush Nedlands, W.A. Apollo Press ISBN 0949901040
  • Dovey, Rik (editor) (1986) America's Cup defence, Perth 1987 (assistant editors: Vanessa Dudley, Gail Liston; contributing writers: Angela Ang . [et al.]; contributing photographers: Carlo Borlegni ... [et al.]. Carlton, Vic : Winseray Pty. Ltd.(Melbourne: Owen King Australia) "The publication of the America's Cup Defence 1987 Ltd." - Cover.
  • Fisher, Bob, (1987) The America's cup 1987 : the official record with Bob Ross; introduction by John Bertrand. Sydney: Pierson. ISBN 0947068058 "Published with the cooperation of the Perth Royal Yacht Club'.
  • Stars & Stripes. The Official Record. Bruce Stannard, 1987
  • Taylor, Keith (editor)(1986) The Complete book of the America’s Cup defence: history and 1987 contenders North Sydney : Advertiser Magazines. ISBN 0864110545

[edit] Newsletters

(Held in Battye Library)

  • Defence Downunder : official newsletter of the America's Cup Defence 1987 Ltd. Perth, W.A. : America's Cup Defence 1987 Ltd., 1984-1986.
    • Issues: Vol. 1, no. 1 ([June 1984])-v. 3, no. 3 (Dec. 1986)
  • Kookaburra : Taskforce 1987 America's Cup Defence. North Fremantle, W.A : Taskforce 1987, 1985-1987.
    • Issues: Vol. 1, no. 1 (June 1985)-v. 1, no. 6 (Jan. 1987)