Above: Kim Holman’s former yacht Jemima in her berth at SYH
Earlier this year, a Hustler 35 named Jemima emerged from the SYH workshop following refit work. Jemima holds sentimental value for SYH as she was owned by the famous yacht designer Kim Holman, who was one of the original founders and directors of SYH.
Designed by Don Pye of Holman & Pye and built by Hartley Marine in Kent, Jemima is one of over 40 Hustler 35s produced in the 1970s.
SYH Chairman Jonathan Dyke knew Kim Holman for many years and oversaw work on the yacht at that time. Jonathan commented, “Kim kept Jemima at SYH for several years in the 80s. We did maintenance jobs on her each year, keeping her in good condition. Kim and his partner had many happy trips on Jemima cruising around the east coast.”
Jemima was bought 14 years ago by Rob and Zoe Bellfield, who took her down to the South Coast, but brought Jemima back to her old home at SYH on their return to Suffolk in 2020 for the restoration work. She will also now be berthed at SYH.
SYH Managing Director Joshua Major commented, “We stripped off the old teak deck and laid a new Iroko planks on the deck and cockpit. Iroko was also used to replace the old bulwarks. We rebuilt the steering pedestal and fitted new superstructure windows, giving her a smart new look but completely in keeping with her original design.”
Jemima’s owner Rob Bellfield added, “We have always had such lovely comments about Jemima wherever we have taken her, particularly given her illustrious history, so we knew we had a special responsibility to have the very best shipwrights work on her. SYH knew her well and have done a beautiful job with the decks – fit for many years of cruising around the east coast from SYH.”
