Snow Goose: Grand Banks 32 Returns to the Water After Six-Month Refit

After six months of careful work, Onne and Tenley van der Wal’s cherished Grand Banks 32, Snow Goose, was launched at Clark Boat Yard & Marine Works in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The boat slid down the railway and finally met the water again — a milestone that capped a long, detailed refit and marked the start of a new chapter for the couple and their classic cruiser.

The launch brought a mix of relief, pride and a little nervousness. “It was awesome,” Onne says. “It’s nice to get the boat in the water and rinse the dust off. When you put her in the water it’s kind of a scary moment, but also a big moment. You hope you did everything right when you fire up the engine for the first time and put it in gear.” That combination of anticipation and satisfaction is common after an extensive refit: months of decisions, craftsmanship and patience culminate in the essential test — how the boat performs afloat.

Since the launch, Onne and Tenley have already spent time putting Snow Goose through real-world, everyday use. They’ve been “putzing around the bay here and there,” taken part in a memorial parade, and watched their son Adrian race in a New York Yacht Club regatta from the comfort of the cockpit. These early outings are valuable — short cruises reveal how systems behave when the boat is carrying people, gear and the small demands of live-aboard life.

Onne reports that Snow Goose handles beautifully. “I love it,” he says. “It’s a little wet punching into the sea when there’s wind, but it handles it beautifully and it moves very comfortably at 8 knots.” He’s deliberately conservative with engine revolutions for now, preferring to consult his mechanic before pushing the boat harder. That cautious approach is common after a major refit: systems need a few hours and careful checks before being asked for sustained high-performance runs.

The couple’s social life aboard began immediately. Onne describes a dinner for four, complete with a barbecue aboard, emphasizing the boat’s entertaining capabilities. The galley, with windows all around, proved practical and pleasant for meal preparation and conversation. “Tenley looked at me and said, ‘I can get used to this motorboating stuff,’” he recalls — a simple comment that captures the joy of family time on a well-appointed classic.

Not everything was finished at launch. The varnish on the exterior railings and bulwarks was failing, so rather than attempt a full re-varnish right away they chose a more natural look with a protective coat of Semco teak sealer. Onne summed it up with his usual humor: “There will be three people working on the old varnish — me, Kaya Denroy (an Antiguan refinishing expert who lives and works in Rhode Island) and the Lord…because he cooks it off.” Leaving the brightwork to settle for a short time gives the wood a chance to breathe and makes the next refinishing steps more manageable.

Before the ongoing cosmetic work resumes, Onne will visit family in South Africa. When he returns, the Snow Goose project continues: the stern will receive a new graphic, the comprehensive electronics package will be demonstrated, Tenley will showcase the new canvas work, and there will be cruising videos documenting the next stages of life aboard. Those plans emphasize both practical upgrades and the couple’s intention to share their experiences with other boat owners and enthusiasts.

Snow Goose’s relaunch is more than a single event; it’s the start of a fresh cruising life for a well-loved Grand Banks 32. The refit has restored systems, refreshed interiors and set the stage for relaxed coastal cruising, family outings and ongoing maintenance projects that keep classic boats sailing well for years to come. For Onne, Tenley and their crew, the adventure is only beginning.

A launch video with drone footage, shot by Islay Petrie, accompanies the original coverage and highlights the moment Snow Goose returned to the water.