Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
Bernard Diebold, apart from his active sailing interest and ability, had developed an interest in the history and design of yachts, with particular reference to van de Stadt. While in Amsterdam on a visit he made a research trip to the Maritime Museum, unearthing valuable information. In particular he was searching for the plans of ‘Zeeslang’ which Bruynzeel had declined to give to Cliffie Leih when he sold her. He was successful, and as a bonus had access to the details of all van de Stadt’s designs!
When asked what prompted his decision to have ‘Zeeslang’ restored, he answered: “You cannot rationalise decisions of this nature. It just becomes a driving force”. He heard that Zeeslang was up for grabs and bought her as she lay at her moorings in the RCYC basin.
She was quickly moved from the marina to Bernard’s yard in Diep River. Tommy Walker, well known for some of the splendid restoration work he has done over the years, was called in. Among his other achievements, for his work on the 30 Square ‘Sonnet’ he was awarded the TBA (Traditional Boat Association) trophy for the best restored boat of the year.
To all appearances ‘Zeeslang’ looked sound, if a trifle tired, but when work commenced a series of problems came to light.
READ IT ALL HERE: 2005 09 – SAILING Magazine – OCR 2
