International 12 Metre Class yacht AUSTRALIA display model
Datec 1970
Object number00054989
NameModel
MediumFibreglass, metal
DimensionsOverall: 430 × 1940 × 380 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionAUSTRALIA display model. It comprises a fibreglass model of the hull and deck of AUSTRALIA KA5 with metal parts including rope handles and wheels.
The model is quite large and perhaps 1.10 scale. It is built in fibreglass, presumably in a mould, as the exterior finish is smooth. It is incomplete and may have been made from a larger scale tank test model, with the intention of being made to sail rather than just static presentation.
HistoryModels of vessels have a tradition almost as old as vessel design and construction. They can be used to design the full size vessel, as a means of learning about the design and construction of the full size craft and working more easily at a small scale, or as a scale representation of the craft for display, presentation or other purposes.
Ben 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.SignificanceBen Lexcen designed AUSTRALIA as the second 12 metre America’s Cup challenger for Alan Bond’s syndicate. It was co-designed with Johan Valentjin, a Dutch naval architect who had worked with the US 12 metre designers Sparkman & Stevens. It was a more conventional design than SOUTHERN CROSS but had lower freeboard than most 12 metres, reflecting Lexcen’s desire for a lower centre of gravity.