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Details of a big public celebration to mark 40 years since Australia II won the America’s Cup have been announced by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman during a media call at the WA Maritime Museum.

Festivities include a free concert and drone show at Victoria Quay, Fremantle on 24 September 2023 — 2 days before the 40^th anniversary of the yacht with the revolutionary ‘winged keel’ breaking the longest winning streak in sporting history.

The Sunday community event will run from 2pm to 7:30pm and feature live artists such as WA’s Eurovision contest sensations Voyager doing a special performance of the Australia II team anthem ‘Down Under’. Perth’s Slim Jim and the FATTS Band, Baby Animals and Hoodoo Gurus are also performing in the 1980s themed nostalgic music concert. There will be sailing-themed activities and food trucks at the family-friendly celebration.

A drone show — co-designed by 1983 winning crew members Skip Lissiman and John Longley and maritime historian Mike Lefroy — will light up the sky over Fremantle waters as the event finale.

To expand on the celebrations, across the long weekend the WA Maritime Museum, home of Australia II, will offer free entry from 23 to 26 September. People can see the famous yacht, and its once secret keel, and enjoy the special Australia II: 40 Years On exhibition.

The exhibition includes a brand-new 2023-produced film, shown on an eight-metre curved screen, featuring the winning team revisiting memories of winning the unwinnable race. Other highlights include ‘the Bob Hawke jacket’ with replicas for the public to try on, Boxing Kangaroo flags flown at Newport, Rhode Island, a replica of the America’s Cup and other memorabilia. The WA Maritime Museum is open 9:30am to 5pm daily.

Thanks to the State Government, you can step back in time to the 1980s when you head outside, from 2pm to 7:30pm on 24 September, with a free music concert at Victoria Quay run by Mellen Events. Rock on to our very own home-grown talent Voyager, Slim Jim and the FATTS Band, Baby Animals and the Hoodoo Gurus.

The concert finale will be a spectacular drone show over the water presented by Fremantle Biennale, co-designed by WA-based crew members John Longley and Skip Lissiman, and maritime historian Mike Lefroy.