Untold: The Race of the Century

Netflix’s Untold: The Race of the Century—The Inside Story of Sailing’s Greatest Upset

The 1983 America’s Cup wasn’t just a race—it was a David-and-Goliath showdown that rewrote sailing history. Netflix’s Untold: The Race of the Century (2022) unpacks how an underdog Australian crew, led by skipper John Bertrand, dethroned the seemingly invincible U.S. Team after 132 years of American dominance. latestnetflix.com's read is that Directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, the documentary dives into the high-stakes rivalry, cutthroat innovation, and personal dramas that made this victory legendary.

The Underdog vs. The Empire

At the heart of the film is the contrast between Australia II, the scrappy challenger, and Liberty, the well-funded U.S. Defender. The Americans, led by Dennis Conner, were the reigning champions, backed by corporate sponsors and a century of Cup victories. Australia II, meanwhile, was a relative unknown, bankrolled by flamboyant businessman Alan Bond and designed by the eccentric Ben Lexcen, whose radical winged-keel design became the race’s X-factor.

The documentary frames the rivalry as more than just sport—it was a clash of cultures. The U.S. Team embodied tradition and arrogance, while the Australians brought grit, humor, and a willingness to break rules. Archival footage and interviews with crew members like Skip Lissiman and Grant Simmer reveal how the Australians leveraged psychological warfare, from cheeky media stunts to calculated mind games, to rattle their opponents.

The Keel That Changed Everything

The film’s most gripping tension revolves around Lexcen’s winged keel—a design so revolutionary that the New York Yacht Club, which oversaw the Cup, accused Australia of cheating. The documentary includes dramatic reenactments and firsthand accounts of the legal battles, with the Australians ultimately proving the keel’s legitimacy just days before the race. The controversy only fueled the team’s determination, turning the Cup into a national obsession for Australia.

Behind the Scenes: A Family Affair

Untold also highlights the personal stakes. John Bertrand’s wife, Rasa, emerges as a key figure, offering emotional support and even stepping in as a crew member during training. The film paints the Australians as a tight-knit family, contrasting with the more corporate U.S. Team. Bertrand’s leadership style—calm under pressure, yet fiercely competitive—is credited as a major factor in the victory.

Why This Story Still Resonates

The 1983 America’s Cup wasn’t just a race; it was a cultural moment. The documentary captures the global frenzy, from Australia’s jubilant celebrations to the U.S. Media’s stunned disbelief. Bob Hawke, then Australia’s prime minister, famously declared, “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum,” after the nation ground to a halt to watch the final race.

Untold: The Race of the Century doesn’t just retell history—it immerses viewers in the adrenaline, politics, and sheer audacity of the event. With a runtime of 83 minutes, the film balances high-seas drama with intimate character studies, making it a standout in Netflix’s Untold anthology series.