Over the period from October 1986 to January 1987, the 26th Defence of the "America's Cup" was held in waters controlled by the Fremantle Port Authority. Co-operation between the Royal Perth Yacht Club, the Fremantle Port Authority and the shipping community ensured that a successful series was held with minimal disruption to the race and to commercial operations.

March 1986

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's yacht "Britannia" called at the port in March 1986. It was her fourth visit to the port since she was launched in 1953. There were no member of the Royal family on board.

25 May 1986

Jon Sanders set off on his 80,000 nautical mile, 23 month triple circumnavigation of the globe on board his yacht "Parry Endeavour" on 25 May 1986. He sailed back into Fremantle Harbour on March 13, 1988, to complete the epic voyage.

August 1986

The Sail Training Ship "Leeuwin"' was launched in August 1986 by Mrs Sue Burke, wife of then W.A Premier. Completion of the two million dollar tall ship was the culmination of a six year programme. The ship was commissioned in September 1986 and became the largest sailing ship regularly operating in Australian waters.

22 Nov 1986

The "Perth America's Cup International Exposition" (PACIEXPO) was officially opened by the then W.A Premier Brian Burke on Nov 22 1986. The expo was held at the refurbished Fremantle Passenger Terminal from Nov 21 and Nov 30. An estimated 220,000 visitors attended the free exhibition over the 10 day period, visiting national displays from fifteen countries.

16 Nov 1986

The then Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon R.J. Hawke commemorated the installation of a new signal mast on Arthur Head by raising the Australian flag on 16 Nov 1986. The F.P.A supplied the yardarm for the signal mast.