The 1987 America’s Cup, held in the waters off Fremantle, Western Australia, marked a pivotal moment in the history of this storied sailing competition. For the first time, the event was hosted outside the United States, following the historic victory of “Australia II” in 1983. The 1987 races were characterized by strong winds and challenging seas, testing the skills of the sailors and the design of the 12 Meter yachts like never before. This edition was also notable for the introduction of the Louis Vuitton Cup as the formal name for the challenger selection series, a competition that determined which yacht would face the defender in the America’s Cup finals.
The defense of the America’s Cup was contested by Australian yachts representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club:
Kookaburra III: Ultimately selected as the defender, “Kookaburra III” was skippered by Iain Murray. The yacht was a product of extensive research and development, aiming to keep the Cup in Australia.
Kookaburra II: Also competing in the defender series, “Kookaburra II” was part of the same syndicate as “Kookaburra III” and served as a trial horse and competitor.
Australia IV: Representing an ongoing commitment to defending the Cup, “Australia IV” was built with the latest design innovations but ultimately did not win the defender series.
Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series)
The Louis Vuitton Cup saw an unprecedented international field, with teams from multiple countries competing for the chance to challenge “Kookaburra III”:
Stars & Stripes 87 (USA): Skippered by Dennis Conner, “Stars & Stripes 87” emerged victorious from the Louis Vuitton Cup, earning the right to challenge for the America’s Cup. Conner’s campaign was notable for its comprehensive approach to preparation and competition.
New Zealand (KZ-7): Known as the “Plastic Fantastic” for its fiberglass construction, “New Zealand” was a strong contender, reaching the finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup before being defeated by “Stars & Stripes 87.”
French Kiss (FRA): Representing France, “French Kiss” showed competitive spirit and innovation in design, contributing to the international diversity of the competition.
Azzurra (ITA): Returning from the 1983 competition, the Italian challenger “Azzurra” continued to build Italy’s presence in America’s Cup racing.
White Crusader (GBR): The British challenger, “White Crusader,” represented the latest effort by the UK to capture the Cup, showcasing the enduring British interest in the competition.
Challenge France (FRA): Another French yacht, “Challenge France,” added to the strong European contingent in the challenger series.
Eagle (USA): Representing the United States, “Eagle” was among the fleet challenging for the opportunity to reclaim the America’s Cup.
Canada II (CAN): “Canada II” continued Canada’s participation in the America’s Cup, highlighting the growing international field.
Still need these syndicates
Heart of America
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Blackhaller’s US 61
Courageous
The finals of the 1987 America’s Cup featured “Kookaburra III” facing off against “Stars & Stripes 87” in a best-of-seven series. Dennis Conner and his “Stars & Stripes 87” team dominated the series, winning 4-0 and successfully reclaiming the America’s Cup for the United States. The victory was a significant redemption for Conner, who had lost the Cup in 1983 and now became the first skipper in history to lose the Cup and then win it back.
The 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle is remembered for its strong winds, innovative yacht designs, and the intense competition that showcased sailing at its highest level. It marked the end of the 12 Meter era in America’s Cup racing, transitioning to more technologically advanced classes in subsequent editions. The event solidified the America’s Cup as a truly international competition, laying the groundwork for the global sporting spectacle it has become today.
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