The Australian team competed in the 5.5 metre class, starting well with wins in the first, fourth and sixth races, although they were disqualified in the fifth. Northam's main rival, the yacht "Bingo" skippered by American author John J. McNamara won the second and third races, and McNamara would have taken the gold medal if "Bingo" won the final race and "Barrenjoey" finished fifth or worse. In a fierce race for first place against Swedish boat "Rush VII", McNamara was disqualified, and Northam and his crew finished fourth, qualifying them for the gold medal. It was Australia's first Olympic gold for sailing, and Northam remains the oldest Australian to win an Olympic gold medal.