Nicholson 1/2 Ton Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Nicholson 1/2 Ton commenced in 1977, marking a period when Camper & Nicholsons, under the influence of visionary designers like Ron Holland, continued their tradition of excellence. Ron Holland's design philosophy for the 1/2 Ton was to create a vessel that was "small, agile, and fast," specifically engineered to excel in round-the-buoys racing. This racing pedigree was complemented by Camper & Nicholsons' broader manufacturing ethos, which emphasized design and build excellence to ensure effortless performance and deliver safe and swift cruising experiences.

Notably, the Nicholson 1/2 Ton shares its fundamental hull design with the more cruising-oriented Nicholson 303. The 303, often described as a cruiser-racer, featured a different deck and coach roof, alongside other minor modifications, to cater to a broader cruising market. While the 1/2 Ton was distinctively Ron Holland's racing interpretation, some variations existed, with early models, such as certain Nicholson 30s, featuring a Mk.1 rig with a shorter mast. Camper & Nicholsons built 28 examples of the Nicholson 1/2 Ton.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 1/2 Ton exhibits a lively and performance-oriented character on the water, a direct result of its design and specifications. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 27.7, she boasts excellent light-air performance, suggesting that she can get moving in lighter breezes where other boats might struggle. Her high ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.518 indicates significant stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and carry her sail plan effectively, even in more challenging conditions. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 175 categorizes her as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for her size.

Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Nicholson 1/2 Ton is known for its "splendid manoeuvrability," making it agile and responsive at the helm. While a fin keel offers excellent turning ability, it can, however, provide less directional stability compared to a long keel. Owners and reviewers generally describe the boat as "small, agile, and fast," confirming its racing intentions while also acknowledging its capabilities as a comfortable coastal cruiser, able to handle longer passages without undue strain.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Nicholson 1/2 Ton was born from a racing brief, it also provided functional and generally well-regarded accommodations typical of Camper & Nicholsons' build quality during that era. The boat offers a layout capable of sleeping four individuals. Given its hull-mate, the Nicholson 303, is described as a "mid-sized cruiser" with "comfortable accommodations," it can be inferred that the 1/2 Ton, despite its performance focus, offered a practical living space. The interior finish is often described as "pretty," reflecting the builder's commitment to quality. Standard features included a 20-gallon fresh water capacity. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, for a 30-foot racing-oriented design of its time, the interior would typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a small galley, and a compact head compartment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Camper & Nicholson vessels often commend their solid construction, and the 1/2 Ton is generally appreciated for its build quality. While no widespread issues are consistently cited for the Nicholson 1/2 Ton specifically, some owners of Camper & Nicholson boats have mentioned the "perennial problem of climbing out of the water" as a minor design inconvenience. Generally, the Nicholson 1/2 Ton is valued by owners as a competent club racer and a fast, budget-friendly option for cruising.