45' IOR Yacht MK III
Designer
Ben Lexcen
(1936 - 1988)
Datec 1970
Object numberANMS1543[004]
NamePlan
MediumPaper
Dimensions730 x 1090
Copyright© Ben Lexcen
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis drawing shows the interior accommodation plan for 45-foot IOR (International Offshore Rule) yacht almost identical to that on GINKGO, designed by Bob Miller. With ‘Mark III’ written on the design drawing this was clearly an ‘on-going design’, possibly adapted to suite new owner’s requirements. The hull lines, keel, rudder and shape, are the same but the interior accommodation is laid out slightly differently. HistoryGINKGO and APOLLO II were both designed by Miller & Whitworth, built by Halvorsen, Morson & Gowland Pty Ltd. and launched in 1972.
Based on the same hull lines plan and same IOR measurement, GINKGO was built of cold moulded wood whereas APOLLO II was built in aluminum. Alan Bond's APOLLO II, with sail number R111, took part in the 1972 Sydney Hobart race coming in 4th behind Garry Bogard in GINKGO.
Both GINKGO and APOLLO II were clearly fast, well designed successful racing yachts, of their time. Miller & Whitworth capitalised on this success by producing a standard design ‘The Admiral Cup Series 45’. SignificanceGINKGO was the first of a series of 45’ IOR racing yachts designed by Miller & Whitworth and named ‘The Admiral Cup 45’. The second yacht to this design was for Alan Bond but was built using aluminum rather than cold moulded in wood. This marked a significant change, as building in wood was becoming expensive and even with lightweight cold moulding, wood was still heavier than aluminum.
