Cabin arrangement for APOLLO II
Designer
Ben Lexcen
(1936 - 1988)
Datec 1970
Object numberANMS1543[035]
NamePlan
Mediumink on drafting film
Dimensions760 x 1285
Copyright© Ben Lexcen
ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionA Ben Lexcen, (formally Bob Miller) drawing marked, ‘Design No. 29, Dwg. 29-7A, showing the interior accommodation plan for the 45-foot IOR yacht APOLLO II.
History"Alan Bond commissioned Ben Lexcen (then Bob Miller) in late 1971 and early 1972 to design a light-weight, fast, 45-foot IOR racing yacht, with a comfortable interior. It was to have a short coachroof aft, which provided additional height and space below, plus protection for the crew while steering and working the yacht. The yacht was to be built in marine grade aluminium which produces a one-piece, low weight hull and deck. APOLLO II was built by ‘Halvorsen, Morson & Gowland Pty Ltd. and launched in 1972. With sail number R111 (Later SM111), the yacht took part in the 1972 Sydney Hobart race which started on December 26th. It was the 26th Sydney to Hobart Race, and Alan Bond’s new APOLLO II came 4th behind sister ship GINKGO. APOLLO II later took part in the 1973 Admirals Cup Australian trials and was selected together with GINKGO. Both yachts took part in the 1973 Admirals Cup races in UK including the Fastnet Race.
It is believed Alan Bond sold APOLLO II to R. and I. Thurston, who raced the yacht from 1975 to 1980 including all the Sydney to Hobart races during the period. A.J. Becher bought APOLLO II; and continued to race the yacht in the 1980, 81 and 82 Sydney to Hobart Races. In the 1994, APOLLO II was 22-years old but joined the largest number of yachts ever to start the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. 371 contending yachts started, of which 309 finished the race. APOLLO II then painted bright red, took part in the 1994 race, then owned by David and Penny Leach who had only bought the boat a week before the race.
Ben Lexcen (Bob Miller) designed two smaller versions of this yacht: CEIL III and RAMPAGE, which won handicap honours in the Sydney to Hobart race. The 45-foot APOLLO II continued to sail as a private cruising yacht up to about 1998 but no information is presently available of location and if she is still afloat.SignificanceThe design of APOLLO II in 1972, despite having the same hull and sail plan as GINKGO, was the first aluminium yacht Ben Lexcen (formally Bob Miller) designed. The yacht was designed and built for Alan Bond, who had sold his wooden built 57-foot light-weight racer APOLLO, to Jack Rooklyn. 
