Nicholson 58 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nicholson 58 began its production run in 1984. The design, penned by David Pedrick, aimed to create a powerful yet graceful yacht capable of serious offshore sailing. Pedrick's expertise, honed in the competitive world of America's Cup racing, translated into a hull form that offered both speed and stability, characterized by its stately lines.

Colvic Craft, the company that acquired the tooling for the Nicholson 58 from Camper & Nicholsons, was a pioneering force in fiberglass yacht construction in the UK. Founded in 1964, Colvic established a strong reputation for producing solidly built and robust vessels, particularly well-suited for blue water cruising. Their manufacturing ethos centered on practicality, durability, and seaworthiness, emphasizing the strength of their Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction. This made Colvic an ideal builder to continue the legacy of the Nicholson 58, ensuring its enduring quality.

Throughout its production, the Nicholson 58 saw some variations. While the primary rig was a ketch, some models were also configured as cutters. Notably, the robust hull of the Nicholson 58/60 (also known as the Bluewater 58) was chosen by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as the foundation for his Clipper 60 fleet, used for the challenging round-the-world yacht races. These Clipper 60s featured modifications, including an enlarged rig and a deck layout better suited for ocean racing, demonstrating the inherent strength and adaptability of Pedrick's original design. The standard Nicholson 58 typically featured a keel with a centerboard, allowing for a variable draft between 6.0 and 13.0 feet, though a fixed keel version with an 8.50-foot draft was also available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nicholson 58, with a length overall of just under 58 feet and a waterline length of almost 47 feet, exhibits performance characteristics well-suited for its role as a serious cruising yacht. Her sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.55 suggests a boat with moderate performance capabilities, capable of making good progress in a range of conditions without being overly sensitive to light airs or overpowered in heavy winds. With a ballast to displacement ratio of about 37.7%, she offers a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling her to stand up to a breeze and maintain a comfortable motion even in choppy seas. Her displacement to length ratio of around 230.25 indicates a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, known for a comfortable ride rather than a light, flighty feel.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Nicholson 58 for its responsive handling and superior design, which ensures a smooth and exhilarating ride. She is described as a "fast and powerful" yacht with a flexible sail plan. The ketch rig, as featured on many Nicholson 58s, contributes significantly to ease of handling, especially downwind or on a broad reach, allowing for a more balanced and comfortable sail plan by distributing sail area across two masts. This combination of design characteristics makes the Nicholson 58 a very serious and capable blue water yacht, appreciated for its ability to undertake long voyages with confidence.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior headroom are not always available, the Nicholson 58's substantial beam of 15.58 feet allows for a voluminous and comfortable interior. The interior is often characterized by high-quality joinery, typically featuring traditional teak and holly sole, contributing to a classic and warm ambiance.

The typical layout of a Nicholson 58 is designed for extended cruising and accommodates a good number of people, often featuring three large cabins capable of sleeping six to seven individuals. Many configurations include a dedicated crew cabin, which can also serve as part of a four-cabin arrangement. Interior arrangements commonly include a comfortable salon, a well-appointed galley, and multiple sleeping cabins, such as a V-berth forward, and an owner's cabin usually aft. Some models incorporate thoughtful features like a workbench in the corridor between the main cabin and the owner's cabin, highlighting its practical design for long-distance voyaging. The overall impression is one of sumptuous accommodation, blending classic elegance with functional living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nicholson 58 consistently commend its solid construction and inherent seaworthiness, traits directly inherited from Colvic Craft's reputation for robust fiberglass work. These yachts are often described as capable vessels that have carried their experienced owners on "wonderful adventures" across various cruising grounds. The enduring build quality means that many Nicholson 58s from the 1980s remain well-maintained and highly sought after on the used boat market, reflecting their longevity and a strong community of enthusiasts who value these classic fiberglass yachts. Owners prioritize the Nicholson 58 as a robust, no-nonsense cruising platform, often undertaking refits to update and personalize these well-built hulls to modern standards.