Admirals Cup Design, Miller and Whitworth P/L

Designer Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Object numberANMS1543[138]

NamePlan

Mediumink on drafting film

Dimensions550 x 785

ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans

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

Terms

DescriptionThe Ben Lexcen design of a 45-foot IOR racing yacht from the 1970’s. Finely tuned and updated, it has been re-drawn by A. Richardson of ‘Miller & Whitworth’, who sold the design as a stock design under the M&W Admirals’ Cup Series.HistoryThe design work has no date, scale or designated clients name, and with the updated M&W logo, almost certainly a standard ‘stock design’ for the Admirals Cup Series of yachts. The design was believed to have been sold under franchise worldwide. It is based on the original Ben Lexcen (then Bob Miller) 1972 design of GINKO the 45-foot IOR racing yacht. Built in cold-moulded wood by Lars Halvorsen & Sons Pty. Ltd, GINKGO was launched in July 1972 and enjoyed a successful racing career in Australia and in the British Admirals Cup in 1973. During the Montague Island race of September 29th. 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. The yacht also took part in the 630-mile Sydney to Hobart race of 1972 with owner Garry Bogard as captain and came 3rd. GINKGO also won in the first Admirals Cup trial in Australia in 1972 over Alan Bonds APOLLO II. Ben Lexcen also designed two smaller versions of this yacht: CEIL III and RAMPAGE, which won handicap honours in the Sydney to Hobart race. In 1974 Ben Lexcen (Bob Miller) moved to London to be closer to the international racing yacht design world. Miller & Whitworth yacht designs were franchised and sold worldwide. The Miller & Whitworth sail making and design office continued up to 1979. At the time the premises at 109 Old Pittwater Road were sold, and the company changed to selling marine accessories under the new name Whitworths Nautical World which still operates today.SignificanceThe design is a copy of Ben Lexcen’s original design work for the 45’ IOR yacht GINKGO of 1972. The drawing is possibly sold as a ‘stock design’ under franchise in the mid 1970’s.