Australia II, Racing yacht at Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, Australia
Australia II is a 19.21-meter sailing yacht on display at the Boola Bardip Museum in Western Australia. The vessel features a distinctive winged keel design that shaped its hull, rigging, and overall construction for competitive performance.
In 1983, this vessel achieved victory in a competition that had been dominated by American boats for 132 years. The win transformed the sport of yacht racing and became a pivotal moment in maritime history.
The vessel holds deep meaning for Australians as a symbol of national achievement in maritime competition. Visitors can sense how the country proved itself capable of challenging established powers through skilled engineering and determination.
Visitors can examine the yacht's construction and technical details up close during their visit to the museum. Guided tours are available to help guests understand the vessel's innovative features and competitive history.
The winged keel design was deliberately kept hidden during races to protect the competitive advantage. This revolutionary construction method only became widely known after the victory and later influenced yacht design around the world.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.