Camper & Nicholsons 60 Riviera Information, Review, Specs

The vessel’s construction reflects the over-engineered standards of the Camper & Nicholsons Heritage period, utilizing heavy, hand-laid GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for the hull and deck. Unlike the more Spartan racing-oriented designs of the same era, the 60 Riviera was marketed to the "blue water" elite who required a vessel capable of maintaining high average speeds under power or sail while providing a Mediterranean-style lifestyle on deck.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 60 Riviera is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser. With a Displacement/Length ratio typically exceeding 300, it prioritizes momentum and sea-kindliness over light-air agility. The ketch rig is the defining feature of its handling profile; by splitting the sail area between a main and a mizzen, the boat allows for a high degree of balance and sail-plan flexibility. In heavy weather, dropping the mainsail and sailing under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) allows the boat to track effortlessly through a seaway, a trait often praised in early reviews from the 1970s.

Under sail, the 60 Riviera is not a "pointer" and typically finds its groove on a reach. Its technical ratios suggest a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) in the 14 to 15 range, placing it firmly in the "motorsailer" category. This means that while it requires a stiff breeze to reach hull speed, once it gains momentum, its high polar stability makes it an exceptionally comfortable platform in a gale. The "Riviera" designation specifically implies a protected steering position, often featuring a fixed windscreen or a semi-enclosed pilothouse, which significantly reduces helmsman fatigue during long offshore passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

As a 60-foot vessel from an era when Camper & Nicholsons set the global benchmark for joinery, the interior of the 60 Riviera is characterized by extensive use of solid teak and high-grade marine plys. The "Riviera" layout is distinguished by its elevated deck saloon, which offers panoramic views and a social hub that is physically separated from the lower galley and sleeping quarters. This configuration was a radical departure from the "tunnel-like" interiors of traditional deep-keel yachts of the time.

Accommodation typically features a sprawling master suite aft with a private companionway, ensuring owner privacy when guests are aboard. Forward of the saloon, the vessel usually offers two or three guest cabins, often including a V-berth for crew or children. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'6" in the main saloon. Sibling models built on this same hull include the standard Nicholson 60—which often featured a more traditional aft-cockpit and lower profile—and the rare "Custom" variants that were occasionally finished as pure motor yachts without the ketch rig, known simply as the Riviera 60 Motor Yacht.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a 60 Riviera must approach the vessel with the understanding that 1970s GRP technology, while robust, has specific aging characteristics.

• Hull Osmosis: Like many early GRP boats from the Gosport yard, the hull may exhibit signs of osmotic blistering. While rarely structural on a hull of this thickness, it requires a thorough survey and potential gelcoat peeling if not previously treated.
• Teak Deck Integrity: Most 60 Rivieras were delivered with teak-over-GRP decks. After five decades, the original screws and bedding compounds are prone to failure, leading to water ingress into the core. Replacing a deck of this scale is a significant capital expenditure.
• Chainplate and Rigging Points: The ketch rig puts unique stresses on the hull. Inspection of the internal chainplate attachments for the mizzen mast is critical, as leaks in the deck seal can lead to localized "crevice corrosion" in the stainless steel components hidden behind cabinetry.
• Mechanical Systems: These boats were often fitted with heavy-duty Perkins or Caterpillar engines. While reliable, the cooling systems and exhaust elbows are common failure points that require verification.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of this model are primarily served by the Nicholson Yacht Owners Association, a dedicated group that archives technical drawings and provides a forum for maintenance discussions across the entire Nicholson range. The Camper & Nicholsons archives also remain a vital resource for verifying original build specifications for hull-specific restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Camper & Nicholsons 60 Riviera is a grand dame of the sea, offering a level of maritime "gravitas" that modern production boats struggle to emulate. It is a vessel for the traditionalist who values security and craftsmanship over modern planing speeds.

Pros:

• Exceptional Sea-Keeping: The heavy hull and ketch rig provide a stable, "planted" feel in heavy Atlantic or Mediterranean swells.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Raymond Wall lines and deck saloon profile remain elegant and command respect in any marina.
• Volume: The interior layout is vast, making it an ideal candidate for a live-aboard or long-term circumnavigation.

Cons:

• High Maintenance Costs: The scale of the boat and the age of its systems mean that annual upkeep is a substantial commitment.
• Underwhelming Light-Air Performance: Without the iron breeze (engine), the boat can be sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
• Maneuverability: With a long keel and heavy displacement, tight quarters handling under power requires skill and, ideally, a functional bow thruster.