Wanda is a Halmatic 30 Mark II with a Bukh 20hp diesel engine. These boats are robust with a long keel configuration suitable for serious blue water cruising. Approximately 200 were built. There has been a strong demand for long keelers since the 1979 Fastnet Disaster where light, low displacement yachts were the main casualties. The Halmatic 30 is very similar to the iconic Nicholson 31 which Halmatic also moulded. The H30 is actually 29.5ft LOA while the Nich 31 is 31.5ft, so the Halmatic is a shade smaller, but spacious enough for most needs. I remember going for an impromptu sail in a Nich 31 one Saturday afternoon in the late Eighties. It was just the owner (a subsequent winner of the Ocean Cruising Club award) and me and the wind was pumping force 5-6. The racing fleet were fairly hard-pressed with crews all up on gunwales, while we were making steady progress reefed to one slab and leisurely quaffing Soave to leeward with autopilot engaged. That memory lingered and inspired me when the opportunity arose to sail on an example of the Nich's 'younger sister'.
Halmatic has constructed hulls for the RNLI and other discriminating clients. It still exists as part of Vosper Thorneycraft apparently. Check out 'Yachting Monthly''s review of this design. See also the next post.
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