STAR FIN prototype
Designer
Ben Lexcen
(1936 - 1988)
Date1985
Object number00054988
NameModel
MediumPolycarbonte, metal
DimensionsOverall: 255 × 180 × 160 mm
Copyright© Ben Lexcen
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA prototype of the STAR FIN. It comprises a green plastic surfboard fin model with wings and carved text on top reading 'Concept by Cheyne Horan, Design by Ben Lexcen, Patent Pending STAR FIN'. On verso, carved text reads 'Made from Lexan Polycarbonate by STAR FIN P.L P.O Box 1203 Nth. Syd. Aus.' There is a small metal pin holding the two pieces of plastic on the top.
The winged keel concept that appeared on Ben Lexcen's design for America's Cup winning yacht AUSTRALIA II created wide interest. A number of people considered its application in other areas, or thought laterally to create their own new approach, and some of these ideas went beyond testing to be put into production.HistoryBen 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. The ocean racing yachts MERCEDES III, APOLLO and GINGKO were amongst his most significant designs, along with the IYRU Contender Class single handed dinghy, and the 18-foot skiffs TAIPAN and VENOM. He was the designer of America’s Cup boats from 1974 until 1987, including SOUTHERN CROSS and AUSTRALIA and was the designer for AUSTRALIA II which won the America's Cup in 1983, a major National and International sporting achievement.
His career began under the name Bob Miller, and formed a sail making and design partnership with Craig Whitworth during the 1960s called Miller & Whitworth, which lasted until the mid-1970s. At that time he changed his name to Ben Lexcen, and had a brief design partnership with Johan Valentjin to design AUSTRALIA KA5 and other yachts. This was disbanded around 1978, and he worked under the Lexcen name with a small staff based in his home at David Place Seaforth. After the design of AUSTRALIA II for the 1983 America’s Cup win he established a drawing office which included Peter Lowe as a senior partner. This became Lexcen Lowe Design and a few years after he died it became Peter Lowe Design.
SignificanceCheyne Horan, a champion Australian surfer, thought the winged keel idea could be adapted to surf board fins, using the winglets to give more control to the board. He collabrated with Ben Lexcen to produce a fin which they titled the STAR FIN. Horan used the fin on his boards, and it was used by others and remained on the market past 2011.Marketing the fin Horan said "They are especially good in sloppier surf under six feet (sound familiar... yes that's the surf we all surf most of the time!) and have a tail lift effect and positive drive that is very easily felt once you ride one arketing the fin'.
