Nicholson 30 Mk I Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Nicholson 30 Mk I traces back to 1972, designed by Camper & Nicholsons with Raymond Wall specifically to compete as a Half-Tonner, a popular racing class of the era. The hull mouldings were expertly crafted by Robert Ives, with the final fit-out predominantly handled by Camper & Nicholsons at their Gosport yard, under the direction of Richard Bagnall. This period saw Camper & Nicholsons, with a heritage stretching back to 1782, renowned for their unparalleled excellence in yacht building and design. Their philosophy centered on achieving design and build excellence, aiming to deliver effortless performance and safe, swift cruising experiences.

During its production run, the Nicholson 30 saw some evolutionary changes. Notably, a Mk II version emerged, featuring modifications primarily to the rudder and skeg combination. Some early Mk I boats were also fitted with a shorter mast, known as the Mk.1 Rig, suggesting an adaptation of the design for different sailing priorities or racing rules. The robust fiberglass solid hull and deck construction, typical of the era, reflects Camper & Nicholsons' commitment to durable and high-quality craftsmanship, a hallmark of their reputation that had seen them become the world's largest yacht building company between 1912 and 1939.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 30 Mk I, with its carefully balanced design, offers a lively and rewarding sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio stands at approximately 19.34, indicating that the yacht is well-powered and capable of good performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, where it can accelerate and maintain speed effectively. This ratio suggests a yacht that leans towards performance rather than being a heavy displacement cruiser.

Stability and stiffness are also strong points for the Nicholson 30 Mk I, thanks to its impressive Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 45.36%. This high percentage of ballast relative to the boat's overall weight means it is designed to stand up well to a breeze, resisting heeling and providing a stable platform even in choppier seas. This characteristic contributes to a comfortable motion offshore and instills confidence in its crew.

Further defining its performance orientation, the Displacement to Length ratio calculates to approximately 198. This places the Nicholson 30 Mk I firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for cruising sailboats of its size, rather than being a heavier, traditional cruiser. This combination of ratios suggests a boat that is responsive, capable of good speeds, and handles ably across various wind conditions. Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Nicholson 30 as a "good quick sailing boat." While some Mk I models were noted to be heavy on the helm in stronger winds (around 16 knots), many owners found the boat well-suited for competitive racing in the 1970s.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Nicholson 30 Mk I was designed with a focus on sailing performance, it still offers a practical and surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of its size and era. Though specific headroom figures are not consistently available, interior layouts typically featured a traditional arrangement. This generally includes a V-berth forward, followed by a marine head, a saloon with settees that often convert into berths, and a compact galley area. Given its relatively generous beam of 9.79 feet, the interior feels more accommodating than many contemporaries, with some reviews suggesting it is more spacious than 62% of similar designs.

Interior finishes often included warm wood trim, contributing to a classic yachting ambiance. Storage would be found beneath bunks and in lockers, catering to the needs of a coastal cruising crew. While perhaps not offering the extensive standing headroom or luxurious amenities of modern designs, the Nicholson 30 Mk I's layout prioritizes functionality and comfort for its intended purpose, making it a capable vessel for weekend trips and extended coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nicholson 30 Mk I frequently commend its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. Many appreciate the boat's comfortable motion in a seaway, a testament to its robust build and effective ballast distribution. Its ability to be raced competitively in its prime, and to provide enjoyable cruising today, is a recurring theme among enthusiasts.

However, like any vessel of its age, some common maintenance points and observations have emerged over time. A frequently mentioned issue by owners relates to the tendency for original deck fittings to develop leaks, often necessitating re-bedding to maintain watertight integrity. One racing owner also noted a "flexible hull" on a Mk 1, though this observation may be specific to competitive racing demands and not indicative of structural issues for typical cruising. Overall, the sentiment among owners remains largely positive, highlighting the Nicholson 30 Mk I as a well-regarded and enduring classic sailboat.