The men from down under: the legacies of Australia II

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the legacy of Australia II 's victory in the America's Cup in 1983. Achieving sporting success at international events produces a variety of impacts and identities for the sporting nation, the team, and individuals involved in the victory. These impacts differ from sport to sport and are affected by the mechanisms involved in the event (such as the bidding process). What makes these legacies unusual is that they were driven by sporting success, with the right to host and defend the America's Cup being solely dependent on winning the Cup in 1983, rather than a pre‐planned concept from a bidding team or event manager.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used in this paper, based upon the evaluation of literature in the public domain. This information is enhanced by primary research obtained from the observations of one of the authors as a crew member of Australia II.

Findings

26 years on since Australia II 's success, and the legacy is still flourishing, the ripple effect has not dissipated. The cause and effect of winning the America's Cup has created three legacies, hosting the defence of the America's Cup, the creation of organisations developing participation in the sport of sailing with a growing events portfolio and the establishment of a national sporting identity.

Originality/value

Insights are outlined into the legacies of Australia II through the use of sporting heroes, identity, social capital, community networks and an emerging events management portfolio.

Citation

Henderson, H. and “Skip” Lissiman OAM, C.M. (2010), "The men from down under: the legacies of Australia II", International Journal of Event and Festival Management, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 186-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/17852951011078005