Yachting

Inducted in 2013

Sir James Hardy was a giant of the sailing world during the 1960s and 1970s, and is known to many as the Godfather of Australia’s historic 1983 America’s Cup victory.

Born in Seacliff and schooled at St Peter’s College, Hardy’s local sailing accolades include winning the World International 505 Class Championship at Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club SA in “Blackbottle” in 1966.

Hardy sailed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics before turning his attention to the America’s Cup. He skippered three challengers in 1970, 1974 and 1980 before helping John Bertrand, Alan Bond and Co bring the Cup Down Under in 1983 as an Advisor.

Sir James was a prolific winner of ocean races successfully skippering “Police Car” to victory in the 1980 Sydney to Hobart Race, as well as being Helmsman aboard “Impeteous” on the way to winning the 1979 Admiral’s Cup.