Kevin Parry’s Kookaburra defeated Australia IV for the right to defend the Cup. Credit: Roger GarwoodDennis Connor and crew celebrate victory. Credit: Roger GarwoodCrowd of supporters on the Fremantle Harbour mole for the final race. Credit: Sally SamminsDr Stan Reid, Chairman of the Royal Perth’s Yacht Club's America’s Cup Committee, prepared to fire the starting cannon for Australia’s 1987 defence. The starting cannon is on display in the Museum. Credit: Sally SamminsBen Lexcen spent four months testing large models in the towing tank at the Netherlands Ship model basin. So secret was this testing that telexes home to Australia referred to it only as the ‘Darth Vader’ keel. Keeping the secret of the revolutionary winged keel was vital to Australia II’s victory. Credit: Peter OossnanenPhotograph by Roger Garwood. Photograph by Roger Garwood.The old and the new! Australia II crew at sea. Bowman Damien Fewster (left) holds a sextant similar to those used for centuries by maritime navigators. Will Baillieu (right) points the modern pistol-like instrument that gives instant digital compass bearings. Credit: Rob BrownSupporters at Newport. Credit: WA MuseumAustralia II and Liberty (the American yacht) face-off. Newport, Rhode Island, 26 September 1983. America’s Cup Race 7. Credit: Dan Nerney, MHD 0107/1 HRAustralia II rounds the buoy to victory! Newport, Rhode Island, 26 September 1983. America’s Cup Race 7. Credit: Dan Nerney, MHD 0107/50Ben Lexcen inspects the famous winged keel on Australia II. Credit: WA Museum, MHD 0107-11Australia II’s famous victory brought a renewed interest in the America’s Cup. Credit: Mike LefroyAerial view of the America’s Cup course off Fremantle, January 1987. People watched on land, at sea and even in the sky. Even from a blimp! Credit: Roger GarwoodWith tourist flocking to Fremantle, accommodation was in high demand. Credit: Roger GarwoodMillions of Federal Government dollars poured into Fremantle. Rents skyrocketed. And the tourists flocked in. But not everyone was happy. Credit: Roger Garwood