The 22.77-metre Ventura narrowly averted several disasters en route to her owner. Built largely outside, her corrugated iron covering was swept away during the devastating February 1953 storm that redefined Holland’s relationship with water. On the day of her launch, the ceremonies had to be postponed because of a manure heap fire at a neighbouring farm: The yacht itself was not in danger but Theo Van Lent was commander of the local Fire Brigade and this had to take priority! And when the yacht eventually reached the sea at the Hook of Holland, a chain came loose during another freak storm and she became snagged on an anchor of a centuries-old wreck.