America II

On August 7, shortly after the Cadillac Cup, US 42 and US 44 we shipped via container to Perth, Australia to begin a second full season of training on October 5, 1985.

John Kolius and his America II (US 42) team finished third and was the top American contender in the World Championship races which ended February 18, 1986 in Perth, Australia.

A bungled jibe that mangled a spinnaker, a split mainsail and a man overboard made her race results worse than her sailing performance actually was.

USA with her unique design was finally showing her potential, as Tom Blackaller became better versed in handling the boat with the forward canard or rudder.

Yachts in the Grand Prix Division race to the full Class Rule with no concessions, unlike their older peers.

Given that the current Grand Prix division is made up of yachts designed for the heavy air of Fremantle, Australia they do not fair as well in less dramatic winds.

To make them competitive in lighter-air venues like Newport, R.I., and the Mediterranean, owners may reconfigure the boats' rating trade-offs of length, displacement, and sail area.

Additionally, advancements in hydrodynamic design require owners of Fremantle 12-Meters to fit new appendages in order to be fully competitive.

In November 1988 she was sold and shipped to Seattle for a refit to bring her into compliance with Coast Guard charter vessel requirements, before ultimately arriving in Honolulu, HI.

It used to operate as a charter boat in Hawaii and had been heavily modified to accommodate pleasure cruises off the Hawaiian coast, including a smaller rig and seating for paid passengers.

For many years, US 44 could be sailed double-handed from the aft cockpit while carrying up to 29 passengers where the trimming and grinding equipment was originally installed.

It featured two-tone paint, unique body striping, America II sail panel insignia, cassette player and a navy blue leather interior.

The exterior is white with a light blue "water line" stripe on the bottom accompanied by a special wheel and trim package.

Skipper, John Kolius, was presented with the keys to the official car of the America II sailing team at the christening of US 46 in Newport, RI.