Historical information

An example of the innovative winged keel design based on the Australia 2 yacht (Americas Cup winner 1982). The Star Fin was a collaboration between Australian pro surfer, Cheyne Horan, and Australia 2 fin designer Ben Lexcen. Horan won 1984 Bells Beach surfing festival riding a board using this fin design.

Significance

This fin design represents a radical departure from surfboard design thinking at that time (early 1980s) Most people were concentrating on multi fin designs Mark Richards with high performance twin fin designs, then Simon Anderson's 3 fin 'Thruster' design. Cheyne Horan employed the talents of innovative yachting designer Ben Lexcen (who designed the Americas Cup winning Australia 2) to design a unique Star Fin which would provide greater hold for a single fin at critical angles. Horan proved the effectiveness of this design by winning the 1984 Rip Curl Pro at Bells beach using a board mounted with one of the Star Fins. The Star fin represents an unusual (for surfing)scientific and innovative design approach. This is a rare and representative item signed by design instigator Cheyne Horan.

Physical description

Cheyne Horan Star Fin. Moulded polycarbonate red Star Fin. Fin is signed by Cheyne Horan with "HAVE A GOOD SURF FROM Cheyne Horan".

Inscriptions & markings

Manufacturers and makers information embossed on base. Concept by Cheyne Horan Design by Ben Lexcen Patent Pending STAR FIN
Made from Lexan Polycarbonate by Star Fin p/l PO Box 1293 Nth Syd Aust.