Nicholson 30 Mk II Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nicholson 30 Mk II began production in 1976, following the earlier Mk I version. The design was a collaborative effort between Raymond Wall and Camper & Nicholsons, a company with over two centuries of heritage in yachting excellence. Camper & Nicholsons, known for constructing fast and elegant sailing yachts, applied their philosophy of achieving design and build excellence to the Nicholson 30 Mk II, aiming for effortless performance and a safe, swift cruising experience. The company's formidable reputation was built on master craftsmanship, with many of their yachts molded by Robert Ives and then finished either by Camper & Nicholsons themselves or by individual owners.

While details on the designer's specific philosophy for the Nicholson 30 Mk II are not extensively documented, the "Mk II" designation indicates refinements over its predecessor. Notably, the Mk II featured changes to the rudder and skeg combination, a modification that potentially enhanced its handling characteristics. The broader Nicholson lineage, especially within the "Half Tonner" class, suggests a focus on creating boats that were competitive racers while retaining comfortable cruising capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 30 Mk II exhibits a sailing profile indicative of a balanced and capable performer. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 20.26, she is well-powered for her size, suggesting good performance even in lighter winds, allowing her to ghost along when other boats might struggle. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 0.45, is commendably high, endowing the vessel with significant stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to a strong breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Further underscoring its performance orientation, the Displacement to Length ratio sits at roughly 197.9. This places the Nicholson 30 Mk II in a lighter displacement category compared to many similar-sized cruisers, contributing to her responsiveness and potentially higher accelerations. Owners frequently praise the Nicholson 30 Mk II for being "the nicest sail ever," describing her as fast, responsive, easy to handle, and exceptionally well-balanced. This combination of design characteristics makes her an engaging yacht to sail across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom figures for the Nicholson 30 Mk II are not readily available, the design of this 29-foot yacht typically features a practical and functional layout common to cruisers of its era. Owners can expect a conventional interior arrangement that maximizes space for a vessel of its size. This generally includes a V-berth forward, a main saloon with opposing settees that often convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment.

Based on the construction standards of Camper & Nicholsons, the interior finish would likely feature quality materials, possibly incorporating traditional wood trim, reflecting the builder's commitment to excellence. Storage solutions would have been thoughtfully integrated to support extended cruising. While the maximum headroom isn't specified, these boats were designed with liveability in mind, and the layout aims to provide comfortable spaces for a crew, often featuring large internal mouldings for the head and other areas, as seen in related Nicholson models.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nicholson 30 Mk II generally hold their vessels in high regard. The collective sentiment points to a robustly built sailboat that delivers on its promise of enjoyable and reliable sailing. Many praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle varied sea conditions with a comfortable motion. The "nicest sail ever" comment frequently surfaces, highlighting the responsive and well-balanced helm, making her a pleasure to command.

While no widespread, recurring "common problems" are consistently noted for the Mk II, some discussions around earlier Nicholson 30 models mentioned potential issues with the original skeg, suggesting that the Mk II's modified rudder/skeg combination was likely an improvement. Overall, owners appreciate the Nicholson 30 Mk II as a trustworthy and capable cruiser, often noting that few problems have been associated with these boats.