Console plan for 5.5 metre boat

Designer Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Datec 1975

Object numberANMS1543[063]

NamePlan

Mediumpencil on graphed tracing paper

Dimensions720 x 910

ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans

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

Terms

DescriptionBen Lexcen hand drawing work of the cockpit console on Frank Tollhurst’s Internatioan5.5mR boat ARUNGA VIII. HistoryThe birth of the International 5.5 metre three man racing keel-boat, started in 1937 from renown yacht designer and builder, Charles Nicholson. He based his design on the 6mR, and suggested a change in the rating rules, at the time. He built a prototype 5.5mR which he called, ‘THE DEB’. (K-1) and sailed on the Solent in UK. The first boats were built in 1949, when they were adopted as a World Sailing Class. Through the years some of the world’s most famous sailors have sailed in, and won 5.5 Metre World titles and the Gold Cup. They include Ted Turner of the US, and King Harald of Norway, with whom Frank Tollhurst sailed with many times. Frank Tollhurst was an Australian farmer and world champion sailor. He sailed the ‘Etchell 22 class, winning many events, but is best known for his International 5.5 metre racing. He owned thirteen of these boats through the years, starting with HUNEY in 1965 and SOUTHERN CROSS in 1966, built in 1961 for George Booth. A number of 5.5mR yachts named SOUTHERN CROSS were built from various designers, including ‘Sparkman and Stephens’ and ‘Bill Luders’ He bought and raced KINGS CROSS successfully, which he owned from 1968 to 1970 and sailed in the 1968 Olympics. This boat was followed by ‘ARUNGA’ which he raced from 1972 to 1976. Frank Tollhurst had several International 5.5mR boats designed by Ben Lexcen and Warren Muir. During 1981 Frank Tollhurst and Ben Lexcen met and discussed what they felt were the best bow and stern shapes for a 5.5mR. They agreed the bow of ‘SOUTHERN CROSS II’ was better than SOUTHERN CROSS IV, but the stern of ‘SOUTHERN CROSS IV’, better than ‘SOUTHERN CROSS II’. As Ben Lexcen was busy at the time designing the Australian12mR challenge yachts, AUSTRALIA II and CHALLENGE 12, he asked Warren Muir to look at the design project. The result was Warren Muir making a new design, using both ends, but his own centre section. He produced all the design work, including the construction drawing for the new boat which became ‘ARUNGA V’. As Ben and him had discussed the project, Frank Tollhurst asked Warren to include Ben Lexcen’s name on the final drawings. Warren Muir was a much-respected yacht designer who designed and built many winning International 5.5mR bats in Australia and later in the USA where he settled. Ben Lexcen went on to design Frank Tollhurst’s next boat, the International 5.5mR ‘ARUNGA VIII’ in 1983. The ‘centre console’ as shown, is believed to be for this boat which was built by Australian boat builder Keith Revell in cold moulded wood. With a typical overall length of about 9.5 metres (31-feet), they are often transported to sailing events by road trailer. The International 5.5mR class has now been divided into three divisions: Modern, Evolution and Classis. About 800 boats of this class have been built around the world, mostly as a one-off designs and builds. Quite often owners will name, or re-name their boat, which may be new, but can also be used. Frank Tollhurst bought and renamed several through the years. SignificanceThe design is a hand drawing work by Ben Lexcen for Frank Tollhurst’s winning International 5.5mR boat ARUNGA VIII, built in 1983.