Kookaburra I 12 KA 11

Innovation, Elegance, and a Continuing Legacy

From Australia’s Cup Dreams to Victoria’s Waters

Kookaburra I (KA-11) is a distinguished 12 Metre yacht built for the 1987 America's Cup under the International Third Rule. Designed with innovation in mind and crafted with no expense spared, she was the first of three Kookaburra yachts constructed by Taskforce '87, led by Iain Murray—one of Australia’s most accomplished sailors and visionaries.

Launched in 1985 and originally based in Perth, Western Australia, Kookaburra I reflects the bold engineering and ambition of a syndicate determined to defend Australia's title after its historic 1983 win with Australia II.

Advanced Technology and Design

Kookaburra I was at the forefront of 1980s sailing innovation:

  • Built in a purpose-built yard with its own sail loft, workshop, and haul-out facilities

  • Outfitted with advanced computer-based performance monitoring systems, housed below deck in watertight plexiglass cases

  • Data was transmitted to chase boats and synced with a mainframe at Taskforce '87 HQ, giving the team real-time performance analytics

  • Designed with input from Alan Payne on winglet keel shapes

  • Features elegant long overhangs and higher freeboard, offering more power and better sea handling than traditional 12mRs

Despite her groundbreaking design, Kookaburra I did not compete in the Defender Trials, which were ultimately won by Kookaburra III, the yacht that defended the Cup against Stars & Stripes ’87.

Hollywood Moment and Continued Sailing

Following her campaign life, Kookaburra I transitioned to a new role. She gained fame as a featured yacht in the movie "Wind" (1992), introducing a new generation to the drama and excitement of America's Cup-style racing.

Later, she was owned and maintained by Michael Smith in Melbourne, serving both as a racing yacht and for charters.

Today, Kookaburra I is actively raced out of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in Williamstown, Victoria. She is now operated by the Kookaburra Syndicate, whose members include:

  • Scott Lamb

  • Doug Shields

  • Michael Smith

  • Simon Vickers-Willis

  • Ray Richards

  • Greg Snowball

  • Michael Munckton

At a Glance

Yacht Name: Kookaburra I
Sail Number: KA-11
Designer/Syndicate: Iain Murray / Taskforce '87
Year Built: 1985
Rule: International Third Rule (America’s Cup)
Original Home Port: Perth, WA (Australia)
Current Home Port: Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, Melbourne (Australia)
Current Use: Racing and private charter

Still Sailing Strong

Now under full sail in Port Phillip Bay, Kookaburra I continues to embody the elegance, speed, and spirit of the 12 Metre class. From her high-tech origins and movie-star moment to her vibrant life on the Australian racing scene today, KA-11 remains an icon of yacht design and competition.

Whether racing, chartering, or inspiring new sailors, **Kookaburra I proves that great boats—and great ideas—stand the test of time.