Images(3)

SOUTHERN CROSS Tank Testing Hull Model

Maker Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Date1972

Object number00054985

NameModel

MediumFibreglass

DimensionsDisplay dimensions: 340 × 1510 × 240 mm

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Model ships

Terms

DescriptionTank Testing Hull Model 7205 of the International 12 Metre Class yacht SOUTHERN CROSS.HistoryTank testing yacht designs has been an important tool for a yacht designer to assess changes in a yacht's proportions and their effects on its potential importance. For many years only smaller scale models could be tested because of the small size tanks available. Tank Testing Builder's Model Variation is an unumbered model but appears to be one of the later tank test models developed in the series produced for the design of SOUTHERN CROSS. It has the final hull propotions of the yacht, and the appendages - keel and rudder- appear to be the same size or close what was used on the final design. It is a GRP construction which was used for the last three or four models built by Phillips and tested by Lexcen and his team. It may be the fianl model that was tested beofre the final lines were prepared by Dennis Phillips. Lexcen and his design team which included draughtsman and model builder Dennis Phillips built and tested a small number of 1:13.3 scale models for the design of the yacht SOUTHERN CROSS in 1974 with the series number 71xx and 72xx. They were run in the small tank at the University of Sydney Engineering Department. SignificanceBen Lexcen (formerly Bob Miller) 1936-1988 was one of Australia’s principle yacht designers from the 1960s until his death in 1988. He created a number of revolutionary and unorthodox designs and gained International respect. He was the designer of America's Cup boats from 1974 until 1987, and was the designer for AUSTRALIA II which won the America's Cup in 1983, a major National and International sporting achievement.