Nicholson 27 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Nicholson 27 commenced in 1978 and continued until 1981. During this era, Camper & Nicholsons maintained its formidable reputation for master craftsmanship and design excellence, constructing elegant sailing and motor yachts to the highest standards. Their philosophy emphasized design and build excellence, aiming to deliver effortless performance and safe, swift cruising experiences. The Nicholson 27, while a radical design departure for the builder at the time, embodied this ethos by offering a boat that was both seaworthy and comfortable.

Peter Milne's design for the Nicholson 27 was noted for its departure from some of Camper & Nicholsons' more traditional long-keeled designs, resulting in a lighter displacement vessel than its contemporary, the Nicholson 26. This design choice contributed to its improved performance and more generous interior volume. A notable variation during its production run included the availability of a twin (bilge) keel version, which offered a shallower draft of 3.18 feet compared to the standard fin keel's 4.75 feet, providing flexibility for different cruising grounds and drying moorings.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 27 is characterized by a design that prioritizes good sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.7, she is well-equipped to perform admirably in light to moderate winds, suggesting an agile and responsive feel at the helm. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.42 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. This stability is a hallmark of quality design, instilling confidence in her crew.

Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 226.5 places her firmly in the category of a medium-displacement cruiser. This balance typically translates to a boat that combines a reasonable turn of speed with a comfortable motion, making her less susceptible to pounding than lighter designs, yet more spirited than heavier, more traditional cruisers. Owners and reviewers often praise the Nicholson 27 for its balanced helm and predictable behavior, distinguishing it as a "properly sailing boat" that offers a significant improvement in performance and handling compared to smaller, less capable vessels of similar vintage.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Nicholson 27 is frequently described as having a "surprisingly spacious" interior, a testament to Peter Milne's design objectives. While specific detailed layouts can vary between individual boats due to owner modifications, the general arrangement for a vessel of this size and era typically includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. The emphasis on maximizing interior volume for a 27-foot boat suggests efforts were made to create a comfortable living space below deck. Although direct information on finish quality is scarce, Camper & Nicholsons' reputation for building high-quality yachts implies a standard of interior craftsmanship that likely featured durable materials and practical, well-appointed fittings for its time.