Gretel II was an Australian 12-meter class yacht famous for challenging for the 1970 America's Cup. Designed by Alan Payne and built by W. Starling & Son, she was owned by Sir Frank Packer's syndicate and represented the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. The yacht was skippered by Jim Hardy.
1970 America's Cup Challenge The 1970 America's Cup series, held off Newport, Rhode Island, was one of the most controversial and highly publicized in the event's history. Gretel II faced the American defender Intrepid, which was skippered by Bill Ficker. The series was characterized by numerous protests and counter-protests, particularly in the initial races.
- Race 1: Intrepid won the first race.
- Race 2: Gretel II won the second race on the water, marking a significant moment as it was the first time an America's Cup challenger had won a race since 1958.
- Race 3: This race became the focal point of the controversy. Gretel II crossed the finish line first, but Intrepid immediately lodged a protest alleging a port-starboard rule infringement at the starting line. The initial decision by the Protest Committee ruled in favour of Gretel II, awarding her the race. However, following an appeal and further review, the decision was reversed, and the race was ultimately awarded to Intrepid. This fluctuating outcome drew significant international media attention and debate about racing rules and protest procedures.
- Series Outcome: Despite Gretel II's strong performance, Intrepid went on to win the remaining races, securing the America's Cup with an official score of 4-1.
Design and Legacy Gretel II was considered an innovative and fast yacht for her time, demonstrating the capabilities of Australian yacht design and sailing talent. Although she did not win the Cup, her challenge prompted significant discussion within the sailing community regarding the fairness and interpretation of racing rules. The contentious nature of the 1970 series contributed to subsequent modifications of America's Cup rules, particularly those governing protest procedures, aiming for clearer and more efficient resolutions. Gretel II remains a notable vessel in America's Cup history and has been preserved, occasionally participating in classic yacht regattas.