Prolific and world-renowned English designer. Born in Cornwall he served in the Royal Navy during World War II and ultimately was given command of a minesweeper. Upon demobilization, Holman attended Bristol University, but before graduating he joined the design firm of Jack Francis-Jones. His first design, the 20-ft sloop, Phialle, appeared in 1955 and was a huge success on the race course. In 1957, he designed one of his most famous boats, the 35-ft yawl ‘Rummer’, of which several sisters were built. In 1964 Donald Pye joined forces with Holman, becoming a full partner in 1968. Holman went on to develop, among many others, including the 26-ft ‘Nymphet’ (more commonly referred to as the HOLMAN 26), the TWISTER (which Pye adapted for fiberglass construction) the Elizabethan 29 and 35, the Victorian (27), Bowman 36, Centurion and Hustler 25.5, 30 and 35.
