12 Meter America II

In early 1986, a series of races , was held off of Fremantle as a precursor to the ensuing Louis Vuitton Cup (October 1986-January 1987) and the 1987 America’s Cup.

A dozen syndicates competed in a "shakedown series", which also featured the 12 Meter World Championship .

Some of the teams had new builds, their first development boats.
Some hit the line with retrofitted yachts.
Other programs built three to four boats in the lead up to the 1987 Cup.

Strong winds led to an extreme regatta, and in the World Championships , some serious breakage led to four masts, a dozen booms and numerous sails being destroyed ..... along with a few crew members overboard !

* 1986 World's , February 1986 *
Australia III KA9 , Ben Lexcen design, won the series ,
New Zealand KZ5 , a fiberglass Bruce Farr design, came in second,
America II , Sparkman and Stephens design, came in third.

*** FYI , this video , post World's, January 1987, is of a fleet race that took place after the 3rd round of LV cup
:featured:

America II US46
Stars and Stripes US55
Heart of America US51
New Zealand KZ5
Kiwi Magic KZ7
Azzurra I-10
South Australia KA8
Australia IV KA16

Louis Vuitton Cup 1986
3rd Round, challenger series

38 kts of wind, 7-8 foot waves
(arguably the greatest wind speed and water state ever in America's Cup history ~ see comments below)
13 knots of boat speed

America II US46
White Crusader K24

🎥 SP7

America II US46
Stars and Stripes US55

Dennis Conner and the NY Yacht Club had a lot to prove after losing the Americas Cup in 1983 to Australia II KA6 , breaking a winning streak that began in 1851.

For the 1987 America's Cup, Conner would return with the backing of the San Diego Yacht Club , leading Stars and Stripes US55.
The NYYC would return , now as a challenger to the Cup, with John Kolius helming America II US46

The America II syndicate was well funded and expected to wrestle back the "Auld Mug" . Stars and Stripes was led by the great Dennis Conner. The stage was the amazing waters of Fremantle. Expectations were never higher.

US46 and US55 were 1-1 in head-to-head competition through the first 2 rounds, but Stars and Stripes would prevail in the 3rd round

🎥 SP7

Louis Vuitton Cup, 1986 2nd round
Fremantle

"The Doctor" .... pays a visit

🎥 ES