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New York Yacht Club had held the trophy for a global sporting record of 132 years and the victory put Perth and Australia on the map. 

Premier Roger Cook and Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman have been involved in the Australia II 40 Years On celebrations at Victora Quay precinct. They joined members of the original winning team such as John Bertrand on stage during a free music concert headlined by Hoodoo Gurus and Baby Animals. Voyager and Slim Jim and The FATTS Band also kept the crowds entertained. The concert ran from 2pm to 7.30pm at South Metro TAFE car park near Bathers Beach.

There was fun for the whole family thanks to roving street performers, sailing themed activities for kids and 1980s cars on display.

The show finale was a spectacular light and sounds drone show called ‘Match Made in Heaven’ inspired by the historic 1983 yacht race. It was co-designed by 1983 winning crew members John Longley and Skip Lissiman.

There was no need to repeat Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s famous quote: 'any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum' due to it being a Sunday event followed by a public holiday Monday.

Our America’s Cup win celebrations in 1983 had crowds gathered listening to a music concert albeit at Langley Park and WA kept that tradition alive with this free community event in Fremantle, with free public transport for people to get there.

There was free entry to WA Maritime Museum from 23 September through until 26 September to see a brilliant new Australia II 40 Years On exhibition featuring a replica cup, boxing kangaroo flag, lego model of the yacht and a 2023-produced film. The exhibition runs until February 2024.