Nordship 360 DS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nordship 360 DS began production in 2009, emerging from a lineage of yachts meticulously crafted for comfortable and safe long-distance voyaging. The designer, Lars Buchwald, founder of what became Nordship Yachts, focused on developing deck saloon yachts engineered for premium bluewater sailing. This design philosophy is clearly evident in the 360 DS, which was notably nominated for a Yacht of the Year Award. Nordship's manufacturing ethos emphasizes creating high-quality, custom yachts in small series, rather than mass production, ensuring a bespoke feel and exceptional build quality. This dedication to craftsmanship is reflected in the solid fiberglass hull and deck construction, built to withstand the rigors of the sea. A key design feature for ease of handling is the standard self-tacking jib, contributing to simplified sail management.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nordship 360 DS boasts a design that balances performance with comfortable cruising. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.60, she exhibits good light-air performance, suggesting a lively and responsive character on the water. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.34 indicates a decent level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a moderate breeze. Furthermore, her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 195.7 places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel.

These metrics translate into a sailing experience that is described as nimble and rewarding, offering a healthy turn of speed for a cruising yacht. The yacht features a high-aspect ratio rig combined with a moderate sail area and a sweetly balanced, easily driven hull form with a lead-bulb keel. This combination contributes to a yacht that is not only efficient but also predictable and comfortable across various sea states. The inclusion of a self-tacking jib as a standard feature further enhances her ease of handling, making sail management straightforward for a small crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Nordship 360 DS is a hallmark of the deck saloon concept, prioritized for comfort, space, and panoramic views. The raised saloon is a signature feature, offering unrestricted vistas from within the yacht, enhancing the sense of connection with the surroundings.

The typical layout of the 360 DS emphasizes privacy and spaciousness, often featuring two cabins. The owner's cabin is strategically located in the forepeak, providing remarkable living space and maximum headroom for a yacht of this size. This cabin commonly includes a large en-suite heads and shower. A substantial aft cabin caters to guests, offering ample room and privacy. The finish quality throughout the Nordship 360 DS is consistently described as luxurious and high-quality, reflecting the builder's commitment to handcrafted Danish excellence., 6] While specific details on storage and ventilation vary with the customizable interiors, the overall design aims to provide comfortable liveability, often including amenities like heating, a stove, oven, refrigerator, and a water heater.