Episode 74: America’s Cup: Australia’s Women Making Sailing History | Lisa Darmanin & Annie Wilmot

Today I welcome another two inspirational women from Australia's first America's Cup Team that will be competing in the covetted event being held in Barcelona this September. I love bringing to story of first to you and feel honoured to be sharing with you, not only their personal stories but the Australian story and the connection to our world famous win back in 1983.

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest sporting trophy, established in 1851 and is the most prestigious international yachting prize. Informally known as the Auld Mug, the trophy is fought for via match races between a defender nation and challenger nation.

When John Bertrand skippered Australia II with its Ben Lexcen designed winged keel, it broke the 132-year winning streak to claim the Cup for Australia. The Confederation of Australian Sport billed it the ‘greatest team performance in 200 years of Australian sport’.

Annie Wilmont grew up sailing on Sydney Harbour, spending most of her life on the water. She was firstthrown in a Manly Junior at 4 years old and has loved the sport ever since.

Annie is a member of the Australian Sailing Team, campaigning successfully in the 49er FX. She placed 5th at the World Championship 2024 in Lanzarote, and has a proven track record demonstrating exceptional skill and experience across multiple sailing classes, consistently achieving notable success and championships in various categories.

In her youth career Annie was named Youth World Champion in 2016 and secured multiple first-place titles, including All Female Australian National, Australian Youth, New Zealand National and German National Champion in the same year.

Lisa Darmanin represented the Australian Sailing Team from 2013-2023. She won a Silver Medal in the Nacra 17 class at the Rio 2016 Olympics and finished 5th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Throughout her career, Lisa has consistently delivered outstanding results at World Championships in the Nacra class. Between 2014 and 2020, she clinched a total of 4 World Championships medals.

Lisa was awarded Australian Female Sailor of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2020 and UNSWFemale Athlete of the Year in 2011, as well as the Ben Lexcen Scholarship from 2011 to 2013.

Beyond her competitive pursuits, Lisa is a commentator and presenter for sailing on the international stage, sharing her insights and passion for the sport with a global audience

The team still need funds to allow them more time on the water before the race - you can help - no matter how small by donating HERE