Van Diemen was built in the new Battery Point workshop in 1951, and was constructed at the same time as 33’ Lahara, although Van Diemen was launched a little later.

This lovely 50-foot ketch was a Jock Muir-designed and built boat for the late Len Nettlefold of Hobart. After Len's death she was sold to the late John Colquhoun (also previously owned Lass O'Luss) who later sold her to Carl and Caressa Gonsalves who operated a boatyard in Broken Bay, New south wales.

Van Diemen was designed as a "comfortable, sea-kindly, easily handled, safe cruiser" – just as all Jock’s yachts were. She was ketch-rigged, 50 feet long, with 14-foot beam and draught of six feet.
 

"She was and still is, a handsome looking boat. she was built of Huon pine both planking and ribs.
 

"It was a busy year building two boats at once. We had the bow of Lahara just poking past the stern of Van Diemen – it was quite a sight to see the two of them taking shape."
 

Ian and Rebecca Begg of Mackenzie Marine purchased Van Diemen from the Gonsalveses. Mackenzie Marine are presently undertaking a major refurbishment of Van Diemen to bring her back to her former glory.

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