America's Cup hero dies

Team New Zealand are the holders of the America's Cup

Warren Jones, the man behind Australia's memorable 1983 America's Cup triumph, has died in Perth aged 65.

The Cup campaign leader was credited with inspiring the Alan Bond-backed Australia II triumph at Newport, Rhode Island.

Their victory ended the longest winning streak in sport, after the New York Yacht Club had held the Auld Mug for 130 years.

In a memorable deciding race, the Australians beat Dennis Conner's Liberty crew to create a new chapter in Australian sporting history.

Australia II was backed by Bond (r) and skippered by John Bertrand (l)

Jones had a stroke four weeks ago and died on Friday in the Royal Perth Hospital.

Life-long friend John Longley, also a member of Australia's Cup team, paid tribute to Jones' achievement.

"Warren personified what the Australian team was all about," Longley said.

"He was tough, he was ruthless and he was interested in one result. Alan Bond would not have won the America's Cup without Warren.

"He was the glue, the link that pulled us all together and didn't let us fail on the way.

"If you were going to go to war with a man, go to war with Warren."