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. 

How often in your lifetime do you get so many people virtually looking up at you and shouting and calling your name and saying 'thank you', when in fact we should have been saying 'thank you' to them...

– America's Cup campaign executive Warren Jones on being overwhelmed at celebrations in Fremantle, after Australia II won in 1983

Key Cast & Crew

John Toon

Camera

Dave Cull

Writer

Peter Hayden

Writer

Dianne (Ruth) Pettis

Writer

John Callen

Narrator

John Hyde

Director, Producer