On September 27, 1983, Australia won the deciding race of the America’s Cup yacht race series off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, USA. The result broke a 132 year winning streak in the oldest sporting trophy contest in the world and sent Australia into national euphoria including the famous quote from a champagne sodden Prime Minister:

“Any boss that sacks an employee for taking today off is a bum", an excited Bob Hawke said on national television.

The skipper of our winning yacht was John Bertrand, arguably our most famous yachtsman. So what are the links to AMTA’s Charity Regatta? These days one of Mr Bertrand’s roles is Chairman of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation (AMF), a children’s charity whose aim is keeping children safe from violence.

A key focus of the Foundation is a program of works to prevent bullying including cyber bullying. AMTA is working with the AMF as part of our education program, promoting our bullying prevention tips and the use of our kids’ website, www.str8tlk.org.au

Discussions between AMTA and AMF this week have extended the relationship to AMTA’s Charity Regatta and John Bertrand’s participation. The Regatta brings all aspects of the industry together and raises funds for charity as well as promoting the mobile industry’s corporate social responsibility programs.

This year the Regatta will be held on November 27 and once again will be based at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), at Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.