Australia launches audacious America's Cup bid 43 years after Bob Hawke's famous claim
It's been 43 years since then-Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke famously proclaimed, "any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum!".
And now, almost four-and-a-half decades since the Aussies broke the USA's 132-year stranglehold, they will once again aim to win the famous America's Cup.
Team Australia has been accepted as a challenger for the iconic sailing trophy and will head to Naples in Italy mid-next year to compete.
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It's the first time since 2000 that Australia will contest the event.
The winner of the challenger series will then take on Cup holders New Zealand for the silverware, which the crew of Australia II brought Down Under in 1983 by toppling the event's namesake.
That victory is still regarded by some as the biggest single sporting moment in the nation's history.
Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke uttered his famous advice for bosses after the America's Cup victory in 1983. Nine
Hugh Treharne was the technician on Australia II, and his wife Jeanine was in tears when they claimed victory 43 years ago.
"When they crossed that line it was pure relief," she told 9News on Wednesday.
"It would be wonderful to have something to lift everyone's spirits (again) and bring the nation together, wouldn't it?"
Team Australia's bid is being backed by Sydney's wealthy Winning family, who made their fortune in appliances and whitegoods, as well as the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club in the ultra-rich Point Piper suburb.
Aussie sailing superstar Tom Slingsby has signed on as head of sailing, but he must now put together a crew and find a boat to compete with.
Funnily enough, New Zealand has offered to help Australia by sharing their technology, and possibly even lend a spare boat.
John Bertrand, who skippered Australia II to victory in 1983, is confident the Aussies can repeat those heroics.
The crew of Australia II were presented with the America's Cup trophy on September 27, 1983 after a historic victory in the famous yachting event. The Australian syndicate, headed by businessman Alan Bond, centre, was the first overseas challenger to defeat the American team for 132 years. Getty
"I think it's not only legitimate, I think it's going to be strong, and it's exciting," he said.
The event has changed quite a bit since Australia's 1983 triumph.
Rules now state each boat must have at least one female crew member, while the yachts now utilise battery-powered systems.
"This feels like an exciting new era for the America's Cup," Aussie sailor Tash Bryant said.
"The evolution of the boats and the competition is opening the door to broader opportunities and visibility for women in elite sailing, while also creating clearer pathways for younger generations coming through the sport.
"For young Australian sailors watching this campaign launch today, that representation and ambition matters greatly."
Hawke may have since passed away, but Australians will be hoping his famous phrase can be repeated after another America's Cup victory next year.
