Bruynzeel Yacht "Stormy" Needs Help

Most boatbuilders in the world will know the name Bruynzeel, manufacturers of high quality marine plywoods, among other wood products sold worldwide. I have used their plywood on various of the boats that I have built.

Kees Bruynzeel was an accomplished yachtsman and boatbuilder, who commissioned Ricus van de Stadt to draw a few designs for him to build. One of these was the 52ft "Stormy", which he skippered to 3rd overall and 2nd in Class II in the inaugural Cape to Rio Race in 1971. He skippered her to line honours and handicap wins in the 1973 Cape to Rio Race after suffering three heart attacks in the previous year.

"Stormy" as she was when Kees Bruynzeel owned her

And as "Lady Margaret", with extended stern

"Stormy" has changed hands a couple of times since then, been renamed "Lady Margaret" and had an aluminium bolt-on stern extension added. She currently has a Virginia Beach owner, who started a major refit but ill health prevents him from continuing.

"Stormy" sorely needs a new owner to take over and complete the work that was started. I have done a quick inspection of her laminated wood hull and it appears to be very sound, aside from a couple of small patches of superficial rot where some water has been allowed to lie. She has been redecked except that the cockpit has been left for rebuilding after the interior and engine work are completed.

All of her seems to be there. The structural interior is still in place, all loose interior items are stored inside the owner's home. He has a newer engine to replace her old one, as well as a generator and loads of teak that was planned to be laid over the fibreglass-sheathed plywood deck.

"Stormy" is available to go free to a good home where she can be completed and go sailing again. The new engine, generator and teak are not included free but can be bought for a reasonable price that must be negotiated with the current owner. Removing and relocating her and all the materials and equipment must be paid for by whoever takes over ownership.

"Lady Margaret" in a Virginia Beach garden.

Galley, representative of interior.

Aft cabin, structural joinery in place but loose bits in dry storage.

I sailed a major coastal race on the sistership "Stormkaap" in about 1978, in some serious Cape of Good Hope weather. The boat fared a lot better than I did. These are seaworthy, strong and weatherly ocean voyagers. "Stormy" deserves another chance at ocean voyaging, not to die somewhere in a breaker's yard.

Anyone interested in taking over this great boat and restoring her can contact me via email, then I will connect you with the owner.