HISTORY

“Johan of Rhu” GBR 65 is a 1939 McGruer design, near sister to “Caprice” GBR 48, and was built for Sir James Howden Hulme in 1939. (The Glasgow family history of the Howdens is widely documented). After having being laid up during WW II, James Howden Hulme reentered “Johan of Rhu” in 6MR racing on the Clyde, where he and Sir Frank Spriggs owner of “Caprice” dominated the scene against a number of other sixes.

In 1947 the pre trials for the 1948 Olympics took place in Torbay. Here again the two rivals from the races on the Clyde were dominant with “Johan of Rhu” gaining the upper hand over “Caprice” and was elected to represent Great Britain in the 1948 Olympics.

Later “Johan of Rhu” participated successfully in numerous races that followed in the British-American Cup Team Races. These took place at Cowes on the Solent, on the Clyde and in Oyster Bay , New York between 1948 and 1954.

Eventually the boat ended up in Canada for a large number of years, where its history became somewhat obscure until it was discovered and purchased near Vancouver in 2011 by the present owner.

The boat was shipped in a container from Canada and arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark in January 2012.

RESTORATION AND REFIT

During the later years in Canada “Johan of Rhu” had deteriorated and was in a state of badly needed refit and restoration. This work was carried out at Skovshoved Boatyard in Copenhagen under supervision of an old experienced traditional boatbuilder. The work was completed in 2018 and is widely documented in photos which are available upon request.

Briefly a large number of frames were either replaced or spliced to existing frames with at the upper part still in good shape. Lower planks were replaced to the extent necessary and a number floors were replaced and made stronger. The keel was dismounted and fitted with new keelbolts. The hull was turned up-side down while the keel was off and was sanded and faired prior to a professional West System Coat treatment comprising the entire hull. After the hull had been re erected the keel was refitted and a new deck laid. The deck consisting of 15 mm Oregon pine with mahogany trim on 9 mm marine plywood. A number of deck beams were being replaced to the extent it was found necessary.

Eventually a great number of hours were spent doing the cosmetic finishing, with the result speaking for itself. The boat has undergone a complete restoration including a new interior and is ready to sail.

EQUIPMENT

Stearn aluminium mast upgraded to latest 6M specifications.
Stainless steel rod rigging.
2 main sails (one with only little use).
2 genoas (one with only little use).
1 medium genoa (with only little use).
2 spinnakers used in fair condion.
1 aluminium spinnaker pole.
2 Lewmar whinches and 2 Barient winches.
+ 2 original under deck winches for hoisting of halyards
Steel cradle which fits into a container for shipment

“Jo Ann” will be delivered with a current valid measurement certificate.

Currently located in Sanxenxo, Galicia, Spain.

Contact
Olaf Damm – phone +45 28563966 or +34 669233688, Email olafdamm@hotmail.com