September 26^th 2023 marks the 40 year anniversary of the Australia II crew winning the prestigious America’s Cup. In an event that truly stopped the nation, and indeed many others, the iconic America’s Cup win shaped the very fabric of the Australian sporting landscape by instilling the support of the “under dog” and the never give up Aussie attitude in popular culture.

Australian Sailing would like to again congratulate all involved in the successful Australia II campaign which saw the America’s Cup won by Australia in 1983. The events are now well featured on Netflix through the documentary series UNTOLD, which features never-before-seen footage from the victory along with interviews from Skipper John Bertrand AO, crew Skip Lissiman OAM, Grant Simmer OAM and John Longley AM as well as defeated Skipper, Dennis Conner.

For further information on the Netflix documentary the revisits Australia II's Cup Win – Click here.

Australian Sailing would like to encourage all sailing clubs around the country to hold an activation to celebrate this momentous victory and to share the sport of sailing with friends, family and the wider community. For example, open the clubs’ doors and invite members, guests, and the public for a viewing of the documentary and a Q&A session afterwards discussing how to get involved in sailing.

Australian Sailing is also launching Discover Sailing Month, a new initiative which will take place in November around the country and encourage all sailing clubs to run a Discover Sailing Day. All the information, resources and marketing collateral has been developed and is ready to go for use by clubs. Discover Sailing resources for clubs can be found on our website here.

A Discover Sailing Day is a great way for all clubs to grow participation and membership, and are designed to both attract participants to the club on the day, and to send a strong message to the local community that clubs are open and ready to welcome new participants!

Discover Sailing Day is FREE for all affiliated sailing clubs and intended to be FREE for participants. All clubs can run a Discover Sailing Day. You do not need to be an accredited Discover Sailing Centre, although that may add some advantages in using qualified instructors and providing accredited learn to sail programs for your participants to register in to continue and grow their newfound love for sailing.

If your club requires assistance to set up a Discover Sailing Day, please contact your local Australian Sailing General Manager and Club Support Officer – Contact us.