The stamp depicting AUSTRALIA II crossing the finish line of the America Cup Race of 1983 in Newport, Rhode Island also shows, behind AUSTRALIA II, the New York Yacht Club committee boat which marked the line. The signal gun has just been fired, as indicated by the smoke , signalling the end of the race.
The committee boat is the BLACK KNIGHT, a privately-owned yacht chartered by the N.Y.Y.C. for the occasion.
He motor yacht BLACK KNIGHT was designed by Eldrege-McInnes Inc and built for the president of the Mellon bank Lt. Gen. Richard K. Mellon in 1968 by Goudy & Stevens at East Boothby, Maine.
Launched as the CASSIAR.
Tonnage 11 gross, 83 net, 108 dwt., dim. 82.7 x 19.9 x 5ft. (draught).
Powered by two 640 hp. Two-cycle, 12-cyl. oil engines, speed 12 knots. Range 600 miles.
Crew 4 and accommodation for six passengers.
Mellon used the yacht for sword fishing in the North Atlantic.
The CASSIAR was in 1978 donated by Mellon’s widow Constance to the John Hopkins University, the university used the yacht as a research vessel.
Shortly thereafter the BLACK KNIGHT was bought by William Combs, who renamed the yacht in BLACK KNIGHT, and used it in the Newport, Rhode Island area in several functions including as a race committee boat.
1986 She was sold to a Swedish businessman, who used the yacht around the world and hosted many celebrities.
In 2001 during the 150th jubilee anniversary of the America Cup she hosted Princess Anne to watch the Cowes race around the island of Wight in England.
2007 She underwent a mayor restauration in Newport, Rhode Island by the Newport Shipyard.
2014 She is still owned by the Swedish family and for charter for around $ 18,000 a week.
Australia 1986 36c sg1036, scott1001
Source: Watercraft Philately March/April 1987 page 58. http://www.iyrsalumni.org/alumni-projec ... lackknight