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Sloop Illustration

Designer Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Date1936-1988

Object numberANMS1543[373]

NameSketch

MediumInk on tracing paper

DimensionsOverall: 700 x 630

ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans

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

Terms

DescriptionBen Lexcen concept drawing, of unknown date, for a 48-metre (157.5 feet) racing yacht with all sails set. HistoryThe design of large sailing yachts for private use, and for charter, were typically made with more than one mast, in order to make handling the sails easier. It is typical of Ben Lexcen, who was invariable always a step-ahead of other yacht designers, to look at a large sloop rigged sailing yacht design. One of the first superyacht sloop rigged yachts was the 40-metre Bruce Farr designed ‘MIRABELLA I’ in 1990, and built by Concorde Yachts. This yacht was rigged as a sloop, with a 50-metre-high carbon fibre mast, and custom-made captive winches below deck. Two other larges sloops at the time, and still sailing, are the 46.4-metre ‘LULWORTH’ and ‘ENDEAVOUR’ at 39.47 metres. The 48-meter racing sloop, designed by Ben Lexcen, is a logical idea, and may have been part of a plan to start a superyacht racing class. He was constant pushing the design of fast yachts to the limit, and this would fit his character. The build and operation of this 48-metre would require a good deal of specialist engineering for the hull and deck, as well as the, mast, rig, and sail control winches. SignificanceIt is unknown if the design concept for a large sailing yacht of 48-metre overall, by Ben Lexcen, was for a client or his own ideas. The yacht is clearly intended for racing, but there were no other single masted (sloops) of this size to race against during the 1980’s. There are no records to show this yacht was built, as no additional design work is available. Due to the size and weight of the sails the yacht would require a large crew, and the very latest custom-made deck and halyard winches to set and control them.