Under Deck Runner Blocks for AUSTRALIA II

Maker Ben Lexcen (1936 - 1988)

Date1982

Object number00008437

NamePlan

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 768 x 1010 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsMaps, charts and plans

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Steve Ward

Terms

DescriptionPencil drawings on graph paper of the under deck runner blocks for AUSTRALIA II with handwritten dimensions and notes. Details read "America's Cup challenge 1983 scale 1=10. Under deck runner blocks. Ben Lexcen Aust."HistoryThis plan of the under deck runner blocks is part of a selection of 77 plans and drawings in the collection of AUSTRALIA II drawn by the office of Ben Lexcen and the Lewmar Company marine suppliers for the America's Cup challenge in 1983. The plans were used by the Steve Ward in the construction of the yacht in 1981 and 1982. Together the plans provide information on the construction details and the construction process of the yacht that would go on to win the America's Cup for Australia for the first time, AUSTRALIA II. This selection of 77 plans were donated to the museum by Steve Ward after he discovered them when moving house, but are not the complete set used in the construction of AUSTRALIA II. Many plans have been misplaced or deteriorated in the workshop conditions. Further to this was the need for secrecy in the construction of the yacht which meant that there was never a full set together at any given time. This secrecy was due to the revolutionary nature of the Lexcen designed winged keel. The Bond syndicate who were behind the America's Cup challenge, was very careful about secrecy throughout the design phase through to the building and trialling of the 12 metre yacht. Information was disseminated purely on a need to know basis, with Lexcen and Steve Ward as the key figures. Often the plans were adapted by the two men and thus they were not always true. Even the main 'Construction Plan' was not the final correct shape. Steve Ward built AUSTRALIA II at his boatshed in Cottesloe, Western Australia. The building time was estimated at taking 10,000 hours and the yacht was launched in June 1982. The lines plan was evolved by Ben Lexcen on computer after tank testing a model in Holland. AUSTRALIA II was drawn out full size with pencil over a pen grid on the planked floor covered in satin. According to Steve Ward the computer lines by Lexcen were "spot on", except for the rudder. The change in shape was too sharp for the computer to handle - consequently the men faired the rudder lines. SignificanceThis drawing is one of a series of plans used by boat builder Steve Ward in the construction of AUSTRALIA II in 1981 and 1982.