Australia’s cup triumph relived on video

Press, 9 December 1983, Page 17

Australia’s cup triumph relived on video

NZPA-AAP London In a quiet corner of Piccadilly yesterday, Australia’s once-in-a-century triumph in the America’s Cup was relived. Mirrorvision, a subsidiary of Mirror Newspapers, released a video called “To Win At All Costs,” the first film to cash in on Australia Il’s dramatic win over Liberty at Newport, Rhode Island, in September. Co-produced by Nicholas Granby in Lond< n, and Deborah Dennison i» New York, the film traces the 132-year history of the cup, culminating in the historic victory of the Perth entrepreneur, Alan Bond, and his Melbourne skipper, John Bertrand, which raised the nation to a new high of patriotic fervour.

The film’s theme is summed up best by the American, Ted Turner, a baseball team owner who

defended the cup in 1977. He said: “We’re here to have fun, spelt W, I, N.” Since the United States first won the cup in 1851 when the schooner America beat off all comers around, the Isle of Wight, the America’s Cup has been the most stoutly defended and keenly sought of sports prizes. “To Win At All Costs” traces the story of 25 challenges to the supremacy of the Americans, and the extraordinary lengths to which they have resorted to retain the “old mug.” Through ancient film and yellowing newspaper re-, ports, it turns the spotlight away from the intricate details of sailing and on to a succession of famous men who have abandoned their livelihoods, reached deep into their pockets and become national heroes, or villains, in their efforts to

win or defend the America’s Cup.

the colourful stories of many previous campaigners are recalled, from railway magnate J. Pierpont Morgan, several generations of Vanderbilts, to Turner, and the man who finally relinquished the cup, Denis Conner. Some past luckless challengers from Britain include the great tea merchant, Sir Thomas Lipton, and the aviation- millionaire, Sir --Thomas Sopwith, and from France the Bic ballpoint millionaire, Baron Marcel Bich, as well as the Australian newspaper tycoon, Sir Frank Packer. The film, of about one hour, details the enormous sums spent in pursuit of the cup over more than a century, and tells how a record 10 syndicates splurged on average more than $5 million dollars each to take

part in the 1983 campaign. They included a newcomer, Italy, and Canada, challenging for the first time in 102 years.

But Australians will warm most heartily to the final moments of “To Win At All Costs,” which documents in brief and moving footage those glorious moments when Australia I finally relieved the Americans of their precious prize.

The Australian Prime Minister, Mr —Hawke, appears, brandishing a champagne bottle in the Royal Perth Yacht Club and declaring: “Anyone who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum.”

This is the first film to capitalise on Australia’s unique achievement, but may well stand as the most lasting, monument to that great day.