Nordfarer 42 (Alden) Information, Review, Specs

The Nordfarer 42 was born from a collaboration between the esteemed American naval architect John G. Alden and the newly established Dutch shipyard, LeComte-Holland, founded by Adolf “Dolf” LeComte. Production of this wooden yawl began in 1956 and concluded in 1960, with approximately 15 units built during this period. This model, Alden design #922, was among LeComte's initial projects, reflecting the yard's early emphasis on traditional wooden construction and a commitment to high-quality finishes.

John G. Alden, known for launching his design firm in Boston, was celebrated for creating sailing yachts that were not only comfortable and seakindly but also capable. His philosophy often centered on designing robust cruising yachts that, while prioritizing health and comfort, did not have to be slow. The Nordfarer 42, as one of his designs, likely aimed to provide a stable platform for cruising, a hallmark of Alden's work. There is no information from the search results to suggest significant variations in the Nordfarer 42 during its limited production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Alden Nordfarer 42 exhibits characteristics of a heavy, traditional cruising sailboat, designed for comfortable passage making rather than high-performance racing. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.55 suggests decent performance in a variety of wind conditions, indicating she won't be sluggish in light air but isn't optimized for extreme speed.

With a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 32.75%, the Nordfarer 42 is moderately stable. While this might suggest a more tender feel in stronger winds compared to boats with higher ballast ratios, it also contributes to a more comfortable, forgiving motion in a seaway, a desirable trait for a cruising vessel. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 388.5, firmly places her in the heavy displacement category. This high ratio is indicative of a robustly built yacht with substantial mass, which translates to a comfortable and steady ride, particularly in rougher conditions. Owners generally find her to be a reasonably good performer and reasonably stable.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Alden Nordfarer 42 are not extensively documented in the search results, Alden's design philosophy generally emphasized comfortable and seakindly interiors, befitting long-distance cruising. The builder, LeComte Yachts, was renowned for its superb joinery and yacht-quality varnished finishes in its interiors, suggesting that the Nordfarer 42 would have featured a luxurious and classic feel below deck. Based on typical yawl layouts of her era and size, one could expect a traditional arrangement including a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a salon with settees and a table, and a galley, potentially with quarter berths aft. Given her robust construction, the interior would likely prioritize solid wood finishes and ample storage.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive owner forums or reviews specifically detailing common problems for the Alden Nordfarer 42 are not readily available in the search results, the general reputation of LeComte-built vessels points to solid construction and enduring quality. Owners of LeComte boats, including those from the early wooden era, often praise their robust build and classic aesthetics. The fact that only 15 Nordfarer 42s were built may contribute to the limited public owner feedback available. However, the appeal of LeComte yachts today lies in their blend of traditional craftsmanship, sturdy construction, and capable sailing performance.