Lady Sapphire

'Lady Sapphire' is an elegant 30‑foot Storebro Royal 30, built in 1966. Her hull is mahogany on oak frames, with a fully mahogany superstructure and teak decks – a fine example of traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship.

The boat began her life with two Volvo Penta engines of 80 HP each. In 1981, 'Lady Sapphire' came into the hands of her current owner, who used her for many years as a reliable cruiser on the River Thames. With his young family, he travelled as far as the Channel Islands, Brittany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The original engines, however, proved to be her weak point, and in 1983 she received a new heart: two modern Volvo Penta TMD40 engines of 121 HP, giving her a top speed of over 20 knots.

In 1987, Lady Sapphire was sold to Peter Buckingham, who kept her for about twenty years. After his passing, the vessel disappeared from sight until she resurfaced years later at a boatyard on the Thames – in a terrible state. It seemed like the end for a forty‑year‑old wooden lady.

But around 2010, Lady Sapphire returned to the water, fully restored by Mark Stanley. Thanks to her new owner, Zara, she shone once again. Yet the hull began to show signs of rot, especially near the waterline. After an inspection at C&M Traditional Boat Builders, it became clear that extensive repairs were once again necessary.

Meanwhile, Zara had her eye on a Dunkirk Little Ship and decided to sell 'Lady Sapphire'. The original owner seized the opportunity and bought her back – 39 years after he had first sold her. Since then, she has been undergoing careful restoration at C&M, with a planned relaunch at the end of March 2026.

'Lady Sapphire' thus returns to her roots: a beloved classic, once again in the hands of the man who helped shape her story. A beautiful example of how heritage, craftsmanship and emotional value come together on the water.