Playing with princes and presidents: Sir Frank Packer and the 1962 challenge for the America's cup

In 1959 Sir Frank Packer decided to launch Australia's first bid for the America's Cup, the coveted trophy that had remained in the hands of the New York Yacht Club for over a century. Well before the Australian yacht Gretel arrived in Newport in 1962, the syndicate was embroiled in controversy. This article, based on previously overlooked archival records in Sydney and New York, explores the geo-political dimensions of the challenge. It considers the diplomatic fracas that arose when Britain learned of Australia's plans; the Menzies government's attitude to the challenge; Labor and newspaper criticisms of the Australian bid; and American and Australian responses to the vigorous but unsuccessful challenge mounted by Packer and his crew in Newport in 1962.