Swisse

John Bertrand would have you believe that his main claim to fame is that he is a proud Australian. To his fellow Australian’s, he is much more.

He is the Australian who skippered the winged keel Australia 2 to victory over Dennis Connor’s Liberty to win the 1983 America’s Cup, breaking 132 years of American domination and, in the process, breaking the longest-running record in the history of modern sport. The comeback from 3-1 down and the final race victory, billed as the race of the century, was a fightback that stopped the nation.

People still remember where they were when Australia 2 crossed the finish line to win the America’s Cup on September 27^th 1983. Bob Hawke, Australia’s Prime Minister at the time, declared the win to be “one of the greatest moments in Australian history”.

In the bi-centennial year of 1988, the Confederation of Australian Sport voted the Australia 2 victory as the “greatest team performance in 200 years of Australian sport”.

A World Champion and Olympic medalist, Bertrand represented Australia in five America’s Cups and two Olympic Games. Within the world of the America’s Cup, he was involved in all areas of activity from skipper of Australia 2 to chairman of one Australia.

Australia conferred a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Bertrand in 1985. His biography published in 1985, was at the time the largest-selling biography in Australian publishing history.

Bertrand is both a businessman and philanthropist. Over a 30-year career, he has built successful businesses in the marine, property and media industries. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Monash University and a Master of Science from MIT in Boston.

Bertrand is chairman of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Founded following the Port Arthur tragedy in 1997, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation assists children who have suffered violent crime. The foundation is now a world leader in anti-bullying programs within Australian schools.

Bertrand is also chairman of Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Members include Sir Don Bradman, Rod Laver, Dawn Fraser, Greg Norman, Ron Barassi, John Eales. In 2008, he was named Melburnian of the Year for his philanthropic services and leadership to the community.

John is chairman of the Australian Olympic sailing team selection committee for the 2012 London Olympics and is a mentor to many aspiring young Olympians.

He is a life member of both the International America’s Cup Hall of Fame and Sport Australia Hall of Fame.