22-200 Sonja reconstructed to mint condition

Text: Email to Allan Förberg by Richard van Valkenburg

Richard van Valkenburg is the proud owner of 22-200 Sonja in Detroit. The yacht has been reconstructed.

"I wanted to send you some photos of our 22 just launched here in Detroit last week. All major reconstructive work is finished, which was very extensive. New deck beams, deck, cabin and cockpit combing, 28 pairs of frames, new keel deadwood, and several new planks below the waterline. Work on refinishing the mast is underway and we should sail again sometime in September. We have owned her for 31 years!

The varnish on the topsides is Interlux Flagship. It's quite dark, perhaps similar in color to Epifanes, but not dark enough to give Sonja her deep color. That was from Lockwood's standard red mahogany aniline dye. For many years I used a 3 inch Badger hair brush, but now we roll the varnish on and tip it off with a 4 inch foam brush. That way my wife and I can varnish the entire hull in about 40 minutes and always keep a wet edge."

Sonja from behind.

Sonja from the side.

About to be put in water.

Just entered the water again.

Overview of the cockpit and cabin.

Back in the harbour again.