Lexcen, Ben (1936-1988), a self-taught Australian yacht designer, designed the controversial and revolutionary winged keel for Australia II. In 1983, the yacht became the first non-American entry to win the America’s Cup in the 132-year history of the competition to that time. The yacht’s victory triggered a period of national celebration in Australia.
Lexcen was born in Boggabri on March 19, 1936, and educated in Newcastle, New South Wales. His original name was Robert Clyde Miller, nicknamed Bob. He served an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner on the railroads. But his interest in boats eventually led him into becoming a sailmaker and boatbuilder by the age of 25. He changed his name to Ben Lexcen after a business partnership broke up and his former partner continued to use the name Bob Miller.
Lexcen continued to produce exciting boat designs following his America’s Cup triumph, but he had no further success in cup races. In 1988, Toyota Australia named the automobile Toyota Lexcen in his honor, and the University of New South Wales created a sports scholarship in his name. Lexcen died on May 1, 1988. He was inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 2006.
