See Ben Lexcen’s restored 18-ft skiff Taipan

by Shirani Aththas on 10 Nov 2007 The Australian National Maritime Museum will celebrate its restoration of Ben Lexcen’s revolutionary skiff Taipan with a ceremonial ‘re-launch’ at Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman, on Sunday, 18 November.

Lexcen was 23 when he conceived and built Taipan at Norman Wright’s yard, Brisbane, in 1959.

His creation blitzed its opposition and influenced the design of all Australian skiffs and racing dinghies from then on. Lexcen went on to achieve worldwide fame as the designer of the great wing-keeled yacht Australia II that won the America’s Cup in 1983.

Narrow, extremely light weight and carrying a crew of three instead of five or more, Taipan was a clear break from the big wooden 18-footers that had been evolving for more than 100 years.

Interestingly Lexcen attached horizontal endplates to Taipan’s centreboard and rudder, anticipating the much wider 'wings' that were Australia II’s 'secret weapon'.

Australia II skipper John Bertrand will be guest-of-honour at the ‘re-launch.’ After the speeches he will join Carl Ryves, a former world champion and Olympic sailor, and Dick Sargeant, an Olympic Gold Medal yachtsman, for a demonstration sail on Taipan as part of the celebration. Taipan will sail with two (replica) older-style wooden 18-ft skiffs.

The celebration will commence in Clifton Gardens Reserve at 10.30 am. The demonstration sail is timed for 11.15 am

Taipan, part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s historical collection, will go on display at the museum, Darling Harbour, after the re-launch. Inquiries (02) 9298 3777.

Relaunch: Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman on Sunday morning, 18 November.