Ben Lexcen Quotes

Ben Lexcen AM born Robert Miller was an Australian yachtsman and marine architect. He is famous for the winged keel design applied to Australia II which, in 1983, became the first non-American yacht to win the prestigious America's Cup in 132 years. At 16, he designed his first sailboat The Comet with his friend William Bennett in Hamilton, NSW, and began to make a name for himself in local competition. With friend Craig Whitworth, he founded a boatbuilding, sailmaking and shipchandlery firm and designed boats part-time as well. One of his lasting early successes was the design that became the International Contender. The Contender was awarded International status in 1968 and now has fleets in more than twelve countries throughout the world. Miller competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics representing Australia in the Soling class. Lexcen died suddenly on 1 May 1988, of a heart attack at 52 years of age.