Australia IV 12 KA 16

Design and Construction

Australia IV (KA-16) was built in 1986 by Steve Ward for Alan Bond’s America’s Cup Defence ’87 syndicate in Western Australia. Designed by Ben Lexcen for the Royal Perth Yacht Club, she was part of the new generation of Australian 12 Metres developed after the success of Australia II (KA-6).

Launched in August 1986, Australia IV was a purpose-built heavy-air 12 Metre designed to compete in the strong Fremantle winds known locally as the “Doctor.” She featured Lexcen’s refined hull lines and represented the continued evolution of Australian design thinking leading into the 1987 America’s Cup on home waters.

Defender Selection Series

Australia IV competed in the 1987 Defender Selection Series, the internal Australian trials to determine which yacht would represent the Royal Perth Yacht Club as defender. The Australian field included the Kookaburra syndicate’s yachts and several Australia-branded boats from Alan Bond’s program.

After strong performances in early trials, Australia IV advanced as far as the semifinals but was ultimately defeated by Kookaburra III (KA-15), which went on to defend the Cup in the final match against Stars & Stripes ’87.

Sale and Rebranding

Following her elimination from the Defender Selection Series, Australia IV and her sister ship Australia III (KA-9) were sold to Japanese businessman Masakazu Kobayashi. Renamed Bengal III, she was painted red and shipped to Japan, where both boats were used in the development of a proposed Japanese America’s Cup challenge program.

This transfer was a rare example of Australian Cup-level technology being exported for international use during the 12 Metre era.

Current Status

Australia IV still exists today. After her years in Japan, she was relocated to Miri Marina in Borneo, Malaysia, where she remains stored on the hard stand.

Significance

Australia IV (KA-16) represents the final stage of Australia’s 12 Metre development under Ben Lexcen. Built for the 1987 defence on home waters, she combined the design lineage of Australia II with the heavier-air demands of Fremantle. Though she did not go on to defend the Cup, her continued existence—and her later role as Bengal III—make her one of the few surviving boats from the Bond syndicate’s golden era.