GINKGO 45' IOR Yacht

Designer Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Datec1970

Object numberANMS1543[003]

NamePlan

MediumInk on drafting film

Dimensions575 x 485

ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionDesign of the racing yacht GINKGO indicating the intended sail plan. The hull form, over and below the water line, is shown in profile along with the doted canoe body shape. The ballast keel shape and position are shown along with the rudder and support skeg. This was an important feature, supporting the rudder, which is well aft for good maneuverability, but also under considerable stress. The boat is shown with a mast head rig, typical for the period, HistoryDesigned by Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen) and built in cold moulded wood by ‘Lars Halvorsen & Sons Pty. Ltd’. GINKGO was launched in July 1972. This yacht enjoyed a successful racing career in Australia and in the British Admirals Cup in 1973. The yacht took part in the 630-mile Sydney to Hobart race of 1972 with owner Garry Bogard as captain and came 3rd. GINKGO won in the first Admirals Cup trial in Australia in 1972 over APOLLO. APOLLO II won the second and GINKGO won again in the third. During the Montague Island race of 1972, which started from The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, GINKGO soon took the lead over the 38 other racing yachts in the 320-mile offshore race. Gary Bogard in GINKGO won line honours and overall winner over Rick Dowling on QUEEQUEG and Syd Fischer on RAGAMUFFIN. Following the 1973 Admirals Cup race in England GINKGO never returned home to Australia. The yacht changed hands in late 1973, and was bought by experienced Italian racing yachtsman Giorgio Falck. Renamed GUIA III the yacht was in the 1976 Cape to Rio race. On March 9th the yacht was attacked by a killer whale 700-mile SW of the Cape Verde Islands and sank shortly after. The crew of six managed to launch the life-raft and luckily were rescued some days later. This particular design (number 29-8) of GINKGO shows a high aspect mainsail, having two reef points, but no batten pockets or sail number included. The mast is located just at the forward end of the ballast keel. The guardrails are not included but the pulpit and pushpit are. The drawing faintly shows some of the lines plan ‘stations’ drawn in aft, as well as a possible pilot house or dog house just forward of the aft cockpit. This feature was made and installed on GINKO’s sister yacht APOLLO II so likely a test drawing to check location and available heights. SignificanceThis drawing is interesting as it clearly shows the designer's ideas and development of the sail plan but also a protected space aft by fitting a dog-house. GINKGO and APOLLO II were sister yachts, based on the same hull design, rig and interior. APOLLO II had a different deck layout and fitted with the pilot house or dog-house aft as there was no protection from the elements on these ocean racers.