Bluewater Evidence · Ocean Proven
76% confidenceJohn Neal's Boats to Consider for Ocean Cruising lists the Nicholson 40, rated 2 of 5: 'Famous yard, long out of business. Very seaworthy but watch for consistent serious blister problems on all models once in warm waters.' Its capsize screen value is 1.59.
The Nicholson 40 is a Camper & Nicholsons ketch from 1978, built in small numbers; sailboatdata.com records 20.
sailboatdata.com lists a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, 40 ft overall on a 30.5 ft waterline, 11.5 ft of beam and 5.75 ft of draft. It displaces a heavy 24,416 lb, and the masthead ketch carries about 940 sq ft.
John Neal rates C&N boats 2 of 5: very seaworthy, but prone to serious blistering in warm water (see Known Issues).
Antigua to Newport, Rhode Island, via St. Martin and Bermuda
Left Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, on 10 May and reached Newport on 1 June after a northerly storm of over 60 knots near the finish.
Source: Irish Cruising Club Annual 1984: 'Ghostwing' (Robert Fannin)
Madeira to Bermuda
Crossed the Atlantic from Madeira to Bermuda; crew member Polly Baker qualified for the Ocean Cruising Club on this passage.
Source: Ocean Cruising Club: Flying Fish 2003/1, obituary of Polly Baker
Neal warns of consistent, serious blister problems on all Camper & Nicholsons models once kept in warm water.
Inspection: Have the bottom moisture-tested and inspected for blisters and any past osmosis treatment, especially on boats from warm waters.
