Ben Lexcen

This was the first time in history that the series depended on the result of the last race and the pressure of keeping a slow boat out in front of a fast one was now firmly on the defenders. The Australians were sure they had a fast boat but mechanical failures and capable sailing on the part of the defenders caused Australia II to fall behind losing the first two races. With friend Craig Whitworth he founded a boatbuilding sailmaking and shipchandlery firm (Miller and Whitworth) and designed boats part-time as well.

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.