A Dutch naval architect say his team designed the winged keel behind Australia's win in the 1983 America's Cup, not the Australian credited for it.
Australian boat designer Ben Lexcen was famous for inventing the winged keel on the winning yacht Australia II.
But now marine architect Peter van Oossanen, who worked with Lexcen, says it was his team of Dutch designers who invented the upside down keel, and Lexcen played only a minor role.
At the time of Australia II's win, rules required that each yacht be designed by citizens of the country it represented.
The Dutchman says he was compelled to speak out when letters and articles started appearing, claiming he had nothing to do with the famous design.
van Oossanen says everyone in the team, from financial backer Alan Bond to the crew, knew that the involvement of Dutch designers was possibly in breach of the rules.
