State Government takes possession of WA yachting icon

10/12/00
Australia II, the yacht that found international fame when it won the America's Cup on September 26,1983, has started its journey home to Western Australia.
The yacht leaves Sydney today on the Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel MS Tampere, to begin the journey back to WA. It is expected to arrive in Fremantle on December 20.
Arts Minister Mike Board said Australia II had captured the imagination of Australia's sports-loving public and had rightly become a national icon.
"The State Government is thrilled to have been able to take possession of Australia II; it is very exciting to have the yacht finally coming home to WA," he said.
"The vessel will be housed at the new Fremantle Maritime Museum being built on Victoria Quay in Fremantle Harbour and will be a major drawcard for tourists to the facility, once it opens in 2002."
Australia II was acquired by the Federal Government in 1987 and became part of the collection of the Australian National Museum. The yacht was moved to Sydney in 1991 to feature in the newly-opened National Maritime Museum.
In 1994, the Federal Government promised to send Australia II back to Western Australia, where it had been originally designed and built.
Six years later, after 10 years on display in the Australian National Maritime Museum, Australia II has been officially handed over to the WA Maritime Museum and is now on the way home.
Mr Board said transporting the 12-metre yacht, with its famous winged keel and 23m main sail, presented several logistical challenges.
"Expert riggers were needed to remove the vessel from the National Maritime Museum and its original purpose-built trailer had to be restored to transport the yacht to the wharf," Mr Board said.
"The yacht and trailer weigh more than 36 tonnes and the mast, which is transported separately, is 27.2m long.
"Every care has been taken to ensure we get Australia II back in top condition."
Two fork lifts equipped with nylon slings lifted the yacht's mast on to the Tampere's deck while Australia II was stowed on one of the decks used for heavy cargo.
"We are very grateful to Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Brambles Australia for their generous sponsorship in helping to return Australia II home to WA," Mr Board said.
"Their support truly reflects the community interest in this much loved Australian sporting icon."
Plans are under way for a community celebration early next year to officially welcome the yacht to Fremantle.
Media contacts:
Tamatha Smith, Minister Mike Board's office, 9222 9211
Dr Gary Morgan, Executive Director, Western Australian Museum, (08) 9427 2701