Sept. 26, 1983

One hundred and thirty-two years of tradition are torpedoed. America's Cup, which has never left our shores, is headed Down Under after Australia II completes its remarkable comeback by defeating Liberty in the seventh race by 41 seconds. Down 3-1, Australia II wins the final three races to gain possession of the ornate silver pitcher that has been bolted to a glass-enclosed table in the New York Yacht Club.

Captain Dennis Conner's Liberty leads by 57 seconds as the boats round the fourth of six legs on Rhode Island Sound. But Australia II, driven by a light southwesternly breeze, uses her superior downwind speed to pull ahead midway through the fifth leg of the 24.3-mile race. Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, goes on to win by about six boat lengths.

Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke declares a national holiday for the next day in Australia, where millions stay awake through the night to watch and listen to race reports. Despite it now being Australia's cup, the trophy will continue to be called America's Cup.