Australia II On 26 September 1983, Australia II won the America's Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132-year domination of the race. Australia II (KA 6) was an Australian 12-metre-class America's Cup challenge racing yacht that was launched in 1982 and won the 1983 America's Cup for the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Skippered by John Bertrand, she was the first successful Cup challenger, ending a … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1983, Australia II won the America’s Cup