A Consuming Passion - An Unofficial History of the America's Cup

In September 1983 Australia II crossed the finishing line to win the America's Cup, the first non-American yacht to take the title in 132 years. This documentary looks at the contest's colourful history. Colleagues recall the "irrepressible" nature of Aussie millionaire Alan Bond, who didn't let three failed campaigns hold him back. Campaign executive Warren Jones credits Ben Lexcen's revolutionary winged keel design as the key to Australia II's success, and recalls the excitement of winning. And in the second excerpt, Kiwi Michael Fay summarises his legal challenges over what type of boat could compete in the cup. 

When his yacht, Australia II, brought home the America’s Cup in 1983, 200,000 people lined the streets of Perth. Overcome, Bob Hawke, the Prime Minister, declared on television: “Any employer who sacks a worker for not coming in today is a bum!”

– Obituary for Australian Alan Bond, The Telegraph (United Kingdom), 5 June 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Dave Cull

Writer

Dianne (Ruth) Pettis

Writer

John Toon

Camera

Peter Hayden

Writer

John Callen

Narrator

John Hyde

Director, Producer