John Bertrand AO (b. 1946) is a successful yachtsman, Olympian, sports administrator, businessman and philanthropist. Bertrand came to widespread public attention as captain of Australia II, which in 1983 became the first vessel in 132 years to challenge successfully for the America's Cup. With a sailing career that has spanned decades, Bertrand represented Australia in the one-person dinghy (Finn class) events at the 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal Olympics, where he secured a bronze medal. He has won multiple world championships, his most recent in 2016, and led Australia's efforts in five America's Cup campaigns. From 2002 to 2017 Bertrand was Chair of the Board of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and he was president of Swimming Australia for seven years, stepping down in October 2020.
In Betina Fauvel-Ogden's artist statement for the Darling Portrait Prize 2020, she wrote of this portrait: 'On the morning of September 26, 1983, Australia woke with a smile on its face, and the nation celebrated. Breaking the longest winning streak in international sport – 132 years – we had won the America's Cup. At the helm of Australia II was John Bertrand, sailing from a 3-1 deficit to a dramatic 4-3 win. His quest had been relentless and his courage unwavering. Rank underdogs, Bertrand and his team lifted the spirits of an entire nation and changed the course of yachting history.'
Purchased with funds provided by Dr Helen Nugent AO 2020
© Betina Fauvel-Ogden
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