Block model of a hull

Maker Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Datec1955

Object number00027554

NameModel part

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 240 x 1,110 x 145 mm, 1.65 kg

ClassificationsModels

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Vicky Robinson

Terms

DescriptionA wooden block model of a hull by Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen). The narrow beam hull is made with three pieces of wood, one for the keel, the base and the sides of the hull. The wood is not finished and the inside hull has been roughly chipped out. An associated wooden keel is numbered 00027555. HistoryVicky Robinson's father - William Joseph Bennett - was a keen sailor and her grandfather and great-grandfather were both boat builders. Her great grandfather was the founder of the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. William Bennett spent a great deal of time at the yacht club and it was there that he met the young Bob Miller (later to be Ben Lexcen). Bob would have been about 16 at the time. The Bennetts called Bob "Paddles" as he rarely wore shoes and had big feet. Bennett took young Miller under his wing. Both shared a passion for boats and Miller was the son William Bennett never had. For several years Miller saw the Bennett's house as his second home and left much of his gear there. His first boat COMET, a flying fifteen - was built in the Bennett's backyard. Vicky remembers as a seven year old, listening to heated arguments between her father and Miller. The former believed in sticking to the plans while the other headed for creative adaptation. Vicky vividly remembers the launching of COMET with Miller wearing the old army grey coat he always wore. Vicky recalls that COMET was a less than successful boat. Vicky Robinson remembers Bob Miller as a larrikin and a loner - hard to sail with and had a mind of his own. In the four or so years that he spent with the Bennett’s he had become part of the family and devoted time and affection to the three little Bennett girls. According to Vicky even though Miller was 11 years older than her he never treated them like children, more like friends, teaching them to draw and giving them a love of boats - especially Vicky. SignificanceBen Lexcen (Bob Miller) has a special place in yachting history as the designer of the yacht Australia II which first won the Americas Cup from the Americans. Lexcen was always trying different ideas and prepared to move in a different direction, but not always with immediate success.