MEPPEL – At only 31, Tim Wedzinga is already an experienced superyacht machinist. He has worked on a Feadship superyacht for two years, starting in 2017, and on the sailing yacht Hanuman, a J Class craft rooted in the America’s Cup, the world’s oldest international yacht race.
Five years ago, he joined Holterman Shipyard but stayed in touch with Hanuman’s management and crew. That contact blissfully yielded Holterman an order for a Hanuman refit ahead of classics races such as the St. Barths Bucket and the Superyacht Cup Palma.
When the unexpected request for a Hanuman refit landed on Holterman Shipyard’s doorstep, it caused quite a stir. The yard, known for building motor yachts, was initially taken aback. However, it soon became clear that they had all the necessary expertise in-house. Wedzinga, with his past involvement in the construction of a super sailing yacht, and his comprehensive knowledge as a machinist, was a key asset in this unique project.
Hanuman, a one-of-a-kind vessel designed for both racing and cruising, is a true marvel. Its design, a creation of Amsterdam-based Dykstra Naval Architects, is based on the original Endeavor II, launched in 1936 by Britain’s Charles E. Nicholson. This unique vessel features a harmonious blend of classic and modern elements, making it a sight to behold.
J Class racers evoke the heady Jazz Age days of American millionaires. In their heydays, original racing yachts were often abandoned after a race and forever forgotten. The current J-Class revival began in 2003. A total of nine J-Class yachts are active today. They include three originals: Velsheda, Shamrock and Endeavour. Six replicas have been built since 2003: Ranger, Rainbow, Hanuman, Lionheart, Topaz and Svea.
Today’s Hanuman was launched in 2009 by Royal Huisman of the Netherlands, which built the replica. It is 42.19m/138ft 5in long, has a beam of 6.60m/21ft 8, a draft of 4.72m/15.5ft) and a displacement of 180GT.
Photos: Albert Henrdiks and Holterman Shipyard
