John Longley’s Inspiring Story

Keeping the wind in his sails

John Longley, the man who helped mastermind and crewed on AUSTRALIA II in the history-making win of the America’s Cup, shares the journey to that win and more. Sailing and the sea have been part of Longley’s life for as long as he can remember, beginning his career as a youth in dinghies on the Swan River to ocean racing in Australia to Europe and America, including the Transatlantic race. Longley became full-time Project Manager for the America’s Cup Challenge and sailed in five consecutive America’s Cup campaigns.

In 1988 the keel was laid for the Endeavour project, a replica of Captain James Cook’s legendary ship, a passion project for Longley. The project, John’s greatest personal achievement, was not without its challenges and took approximately five years to complete. On completion, Longley circumnavigated the world on the Endeavour through 149 ports over six years. But this only scratches the surface of Longley’s amazing career.

Listen to John Longley’s Inspiring Story.