Thelma VI History….

Thelma VI was built in 1952 at the renowned yard of James Silver and sons at Rosneath on the Clyde. Silvers had built a solid reputation for their boatbuilding skills from the late 1920's under their chief designer, naval architect John Bain.

Silvers were the first boat builders to produce a standard range of boats which customers could select and finish to their own size and budget.

Thelma is an Ormidale class boat, which were available in size from 48 to 72 feet, and produced from about 1950 to 1972 when production ceased at the yard

Very few 72ft Ormidales were produced and Thelma is possibly the last surviving "Bain 72 ". Although her wheelhouse and saloon roof were ‘modernised’ in the early 70's she still retains much of her original character and style.

Thelma has been updated over the years with Gardner diesel engines replacing her original Glenifer engines. She was also originally fitted with a third engine and prop, possibly to give some propeller wash for maneuvering. A "Beken" photo of taken at the 1953 fleet review shows her original layout with teak wheel shelter, two radio masts, two wooden boats on the aft deck and folding boarding ladder all sadly long gone.