funded the Royal Burnham Yacht Club's Victory Syndicate. The team used three skippers over the Cup: Phil Crebbin, Lawrie Smith and Rodney Pattisson. The crew included Chris Law, Robin Fuger, Harold Cudmore, who quit the campaign before the start of the Cup, and future America's Cup Hall of FamerDean Phipps, racing in his first America's Cup. Two boats were constructed; Victory of Burnham, Victory '83, although K 22 was ultimately used in the Cup. The team also purchased two boats from the 1980 Herbert Pell Cup to use in trials; Australia and Lionheart.
Owned by a number of Australian businessmen from Victoria headed by Dick Pratt. Challenge 12 was also designed by Lexcen and sold to the Victorian challenge after the Bond syndicate selected Australia II. She was a fast, traditional 12 Meter, and lacked the winged keel of her sister boatAustralia II. John Bertrand favored her initially, but was talked into sailing the new design by Alan Bond. She may have been superior to Australia II in heavy winds, and was a real threat to the men from the West of Australia. During the Louis Vuitton Cup, Challenge 12 was skippered by John Savage and the crew included Graeme 'Frizzle' Freeman, Michael Fletcher and Damian Fewster. Challenge 12 was later used to prepare Australia II for the America's Cup and was skippered by James Hardy.
Azzurra (ITA)
Managed by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and funded by Aga Khan IV and Gianni Agnelli, Azzura was formed in 1982. Ambrosini was involved with the construction of the yacht Azzurra, and they proved to be a competitive new challenge. Skippered by Cino Ricci and with Mauro Pelaschier on the helm, the original Azzurra team won 24 of 49 races and developed a large and loyal following in Italy.
France 3, skippered by Bruno Troublé, returned for its second challenge for the America's Cup. The syndicate was financed by Yves Roussert-Rouard who had purchased the boat from Marcel Bich who had financed the first four French challenges. The syndicate was hampered by money problems and an inexperienced crew.
Canada (CAN)
Canada returned to the Cup as a challenger for the first time in over a hundred years. Their boat Canada would be completely revamped and compete again three years later at the 1987 Cup as Canada II.
Advance (AUS)
A Sydney challenger owned and run by Australian sailing legend, Syd Fischer. A very radical but ultimately slow design by Alan Payne, the designer of Gretel I and II. Skippered by 18-foot skiff champion, Iain Murray.
Finals
Semi-finals
11 August - 24 August In the semi-finals the four qualifiers sailed against each other competitor three times. Australia II and Victory '83 advanced to the finals.
AUS
VIC
AZZ
CAN
Points
Australia II
2
3
3
8
Victory '83
1
2
3
6
Azzurra
0
1
3
4
Canada
0
0
0
0
Final
28 August - 8 September Australia II defeated Victory '83 4-1 in the final to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and go on to compete in the America's Cup.
Australia II
Victory '83
Azzurra
Canada