the winner entered the America's Cup series as the defender. The buoy is a permanent navigation marker used for shipping in and out of Fremantle harbour and is located west-north-west of the harbour in Gage Roads Every boat raced each other twice in the first 3 series. The six competing boats from four syndicates were Kookaburra II (KA-12), Kookaburra III (KA-15), Australia III (KA-9), Australia IV (KA-16), Steak'n'Kidney (KA-14) and South Australia (KA-8). The defender semi-finals were held from 27 December to 9 January between Kookaburra II, Kookaburra III, Australia IV and Steak'n'Kidney after which Kookaburra II and Steak'n'Kidney were eliminated. The final of the defender selection series was held from 14 to 20 January January. Kookaburra III'' was selected as the official defender. References 1987 America's Cup 1987 in sailing 1987 in Australian sport 12-metre class Sailing competitions in Western Australia Defender Selection Series