A boat built for a movie mogul received star billing at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival in Henley
A boat built for a movie mogul received star billing at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival in Henley.
Judith R, a beautifully preserved and restored 1935 luxury commuter yacht, won all four top awards.
Originally commissioned for Paramount President Barney Balaban, the boat won the Osland Trophy for Best Structural Restoration, the Bill Gardham Trophy for Best Restoration and Presentation in a Motor Cruiser, the Dean Marine Trophy for Best Engine Installation and the Fred and Sheila Bourne Trophy for Best Overall Boat.
Owner Susanne Williams said: “We had for many years longed to restore Judith R to her former Art Deco glory and we are so happy we did.
“These awards are testament to our commitment to her history, to authentically preserving her and restoring her. They are also testament to the fine craftsmanship provided by Guy Wootten and his team at Woottens Boatbuilders in Cookham, Surrey,” she added.
Steeped in Hollywood history, Judith R has been painstakingly restored and can carry 12 people in comfort, providing a glamorous step back to the 1930s.
An Art Deco masterpiece, she has had every single detail restored, including artwork in her saloon, her original compass and her chrome fittings.
Her hull is constructed from rich mahogany on oak, her bridge and saloon are fitted out with mahogany furniture and she offers two guest cabins, two heads and a galley.
According to Woottens website, Judith R was built by Robinson Marine of Benton Harbour on Lake Michigan. She has a mural of the great lakes in her saloon. Robinson were one of the great builders of commuter yachts. Judith R was the biggest and most expensive they made at over $60,000.
Two ultra-modern materials of the time were used in her construction: plywood for the cabin tops and the internal walls in the staterooms, and linoleum for the flooring in the main saloon, galley and wheelhouse saloon.
Judith R is currently being prepared for charter. Visit www.judithr.co.uk.
