Kookaburra Project (unbuilt)

Design Context and Classification

Kookaburra was a proposed 12 Metre Class yacht designed under the International Third Rule, conceived as part of the 1987 America’s Cup defence programme. The project was commissioned by Taskforce ’87 America’s Cup Defence Ltd., led by Kevin Parry, during the final years of the 12 Metre era in the America’s Cup.

Although unbuilt, the Kookaburra project represents the closing chapter of Australia’s 12 Metre development programme and reflects the level of technical investment and organizational structure surrounding late-era America’s Cup campaigns. As such, it remains part of the documented history of the class, illustrating the transition from the International 12 Metre Rule to the post-1987 era of America’s Cup yacht design.