Aussies make top 40 list

Celebrating 40 years of publishing, the US-produced magazine Sail has named the 40 individuals it considers most influential in world yachting in the past four decades.

Among the list of Yanks, Poms, Frogs and Kiwis there are just two Aussies.

The late, great Ben Lexcen makes the list along with Australia II skipper and America's Cup winner John Bertrand.

Lexcen, who spent most of his life known as Bob Miller, designed everything from the first revolutionary 18ft skiff, Taipan, to ocean racers and the 12 Metre affectionately known as the "Little White Pointer", Alan Bond's America's Cup winning Australia II.

Unfortunately Lexcen, who was as well known for his practical jokes as for his break-through yacht designs, died tragically young.

Bertrand has continued to be a force in world sailing since his days of Australia II. Now sticking to one-design classes like the Etchcells, he has racked-up more world, Australian and state titles than most sailors have had rum and Cokes.

And while on the subject of liquor, it is interesting to note that American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, a Bounty descendant and a relative of half the people on Norfolk Island, has made the list.

Buffett wasn't recognised for his sailing skills but for the endless enjoyment his rollicking nautically themed songs have brought to generations of sailors.