Abstract

The first defence of the America's Cup outside of the USA took place off Fremantle, Western Australia, between October, 1986 and February, 1987. Fremantle Hospital, the nearest hospital to the marinas, was involved in the planning for disasters and for the provision of clinical services to the syndicates involved and the projected crowds of tourists and spectators. The impact of this unique sporting event on the hospital was measured by collecting data from all patients whose presence in Fremantle was related to the yachting. The America's Cup resulted in only 654 attendances and 31 admissions over the 5 months of the event. The figures fell far short of those predicted. A number of conclusions have been drawn.