Hanuman, one of the iconic J Class yachts has arrived at the Holterman Shipyard for refit.
The latest foiling America’s Cup yachts may be at the forefront of sailing technology. But it’s a fleet of Cup racers from a bygone era that evoke passion. They stir the senses and emotions among sailors and the public alike.
The J Class yachts have become sailing yacht icons. Not only of a stunning aesthetic, but also of the pinnacle of modern big-boat racing. As one of a growing fleet of Js, she was built to the class rule. And all following original designs, battle it out on one of the most spectacular race circuits on the planet.
The prestige of the Js is matched only by the incredible level of responsibility involved their care and maintenance. It is a responsibility that Holterman Shipyard in the Netherlands now takes on with the arrival of Hanuman. Also known as JK6 she is in for an extensive refit. Based on a 1937 design by Charles Nicholson, Hanuman was launched in 2009. She has been a staple of the J Class racing scene. She scored overall victories in events such as the St Barths Bucket and the Superyacht Cup Palma.
Work has begun
Hanuman arrived in the Netherlands at the end of April. After the rig was stepped and the yacht was carefully loaded onto a transport barge. She arrived at Holterman’s Meppel yard at the end of May. There, the full programme of works began in earnest.
The idea of the refit started with the need to replace the teak decks. But that expanded to include something in every area of the yacht. The yard will install a whole new air-conditioning system and fridge freezer system.
It will upgrade the hydraulic system and replace some interior floor soles. deck hardware will be moved to more optimal positions. Finishing will include varnishing wood elements, and painting the underwater body and the topsides.
Refit success
The success of the refit will be strengthened by two key factors. First is the inhouse knowledge that is directly relevant to the project. Several other members of the Holterman team have direct experience of Hanuman from racing on her as crew. Or through their involvement with the original engineering of the yacht and its construction.
Second is the low-overhead, and the straightforward approach to such an involved project that the shipyard takes.
The shipyard has made minor alterations to its sheds to accommodate the 42.2-metre yacht. And works have already begun on the first stage of the refit. This includes unmounting the rudder, removing 500 pieces of deck hardware, and stripping the old deck down to the bare aluminium.
