Built in 1957, this Fred Parker design was constructed at AH Moody & Son, for Harold F Edwards. Fred Parker’s career started with a five year apprenticeship at Berthon Boat Company in Lymington where his father was a foreman shipwright.
Niall Robinson’s family owned another Parker/Moodys boat – Brynhilde (1958, 32’6”) based in UK, since 1973. In 2003, she was passed down a generation from Father Kevin to son Niall, not long after the latter had co-founded the Mediterranean-based yacht management company Hill Robinson, and Superyacht sales brokerage Moravia, based in Monaco. Hence acquiring her sister Sardonyx created by the same designer, yard, and probably by the same shipwrights, destined for classic yachting in Monaco and Côte d’Azur.
At Les Voiles d’Antibes regatta (2020) Sardonyx (40’) was knocked flat – the boom flailing across the boat like the Grim Reaper’s scythe. It was the most dangerous moment of Niall’s time at sea, but thanks to the brave crew limiting damage, she returned safely to port following her sister’s footsteps to Berthon for complete restoration.
The apron, stern post and the upper part of the stem – all originally in mahogany – were renewed in iroko. A new transom was fitted in three layers: two of iroko with Brazilian mahogany on the outside. Steamed oak frames – three at 3 ½” x 1 ½” in way of the mast and 2” x 1 ½” throughout the rest of the boat – were renewed in laminated oak, one at a time retain the hull shape.
About 60% of the mahogany hull planking (mostly under the waterline) was replaced in iroko, new bulwarks laminated with iroko on the outside and varnished teak inside, generally followed Lloyd’s rules. Planks were traditionally nailed and roved to the frames, and splined; undersized bronze floors patterned in GRP to cast new larger scantlings in nickel aluminium bronze, and ballast keel bronze bolts x-rayed were found to be in good condition.
Light in colour, British and sustainable, new joinery was built in elm with boxwood inlays maintaining traditional look, fitting well with the original Taylors paraffin stove. Discreet modern electrical systems, including a silent waterjet bow thruster, provide modern functionality throughout the restoration that will keep her afloat for another 70 years.
