5o5 Memories: A Moment in History – 1966

5o5 Flashback: A Moment in History – 1966 – Sir James Hardy

Pip Pearson October 23 08:50 UTC

Ahead of the 5o5 Sailing World Championships in Adelaide, Australia, this historic sailing remembrance provides insight into the early days of what is arguably the world’s most successful sailboat.

The 1966 5o5 World Championship in Adelaide, South Australia was of particular significance for Australian yachting – it was the first time a World Championship had been held in the Southern Hemisphere for any international class of yacht racing. A significant event for Adelaide and Australia!

A total of 68 applications were submitted from 17 countries.

The event was held in the waters adjacent to the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club, directly in front of the Hardy family home and in the waters that Jim sailed for many years in his youth and senior years… waters he knew as “the back of his hand.”

Jim competed on a local Adelaide 5o5 Binks K designed and built.

It was this event that brought Jim Hardie (later Sir James Hardie) into the spotlight of the Australian yachting hierarchy.

After an exciting series of races, the top four places and the winner will be determined by the results of the last race.

Spectacularly, after a very poor start and passing the first mark in 22nd place, showing the grit and determination typical of Jim, he and Max Whitnall’s team battled through the fleet and crossed the line in second, which was the position he needed to win competition and become the first Australian to win the 5o5 World Championship in the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s no surprise that Jim’s 5o5 was named “The Black Bottle” – after one of Hardy Wines’ leading brands, a clear winner from the start.

Jim was living in Sydney at the time, where he was Senior Marketing Manager for Hardy Wines and head of the family business in Sydney.

The publicity generated by this victory attracted the attention of the highest echelons of Australian yachting, and it was this, and the resulting profile, that paved the way for Jim to enter the international spotlight. His America’s Cup, Admiral’s Cup and Olympic history of Australian yachting is legendary, and although Sir James, also very affectionately known as “Gentleman Jim”, is no longer with us, his legend and his legacy live on.

We are very pleased to name the 2025 5o5s International Pre-World Championship Regatta in honor of Sir James Hardie.

Find out more about the 2025 5o5 World Championships in Adelaide here.