Production schedule for AUSTRALIA II
Designer
Ben Lexcen
(1936 - 1988)
Date15 December 1980
Object numberANMS1543[347]
NamePlan
MediumPaper
DimensionsOverall: 770 x 440
Copyright© Ben Lexcen
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis Cantt chart was drawn up by Ben Lexcen in 1980, for the construction of AUSTRALIA II (KA-6) and CHALLENGE XII (KA-10).
HistoryThe Gantt chart is now a vital project management tool, widely used in every country around the world. In order for a project manager, his client and team, to grasp an overall view of a particular project, to carry out planning, scheduling, resource management and monitoring, a list of the key events in the project is made and laid out as a bar chart. This type of chart was initially invented by a Polish Professor in engineering in 1899, called Karol Adamiecki. He developed, what he called; ‘the law of harmony in management’ and called it a ‘harmonogram’. It was a success, but only published in Polish.
In 1917 the American engineer, Henry Gantt used the ‘harmonogram’ as inspiration for his own chart, which became known as the Gantt chart. This quickly became a standard tool for factory production managers and project managers, for production planning as well as gauging productivity. Originally written on paper, they were adapted to use with computers in the 1980’s which allowed more complex charts to be made.
The 1980 Gantt chart, made and used by Ben Lexcen and his team for the design and build of the 12mR yachts AUSTRALIA II (KA-6) and CHALLENGE XII (KA-10), is of particular historic interest. It was the start of long and complex project, which culminated on September 26th. 1983 when Australia finally won the coveted America’s Cup.SignificanceThe Ben Lexcen project Gantt chart, for the design and build of two America’s Cup challenge yachts at the same time, is a remarkable insight into planning the design, build, and shipping of the two major 12mR yachts. The work shows the experience and skills of Ben Lexcen in foreseeing the flow of events needed to make the double project a success. It is unlikely the project Gantt chart turned out to be one hundred percent accurate, as delays and unforeseen situations always develop, but it was a vital work which would have been used all members of the team. 
