Design and Construction
Camper & Nicholson Ltd. laid up the Nicholson 39’s fiberglass hull. Below the waterline, she has a long keel and draws roughly 1.68 to 1.78 metres, depending on load. That draft keeps the boat within reach of most marina entrances despite her bulk.
Wetted surface is about 34 square metres. The immersion rate is approximately 202 kg per centimetre, or 1,136 pounds per inch—figures that describe a hull that sits deep and settles slowly into the water as weight is added.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Nicholson 39 carries a ketch rig, splitting the sail plan into more manageable sections for short-handed handling on long voyages. Her running-rigging dimensions are substantial: the jib and genoa sheets are estimated at 11.9 metres long and 14 mm in diameter; the mainsheet is 29.7 metres at the same diameter; and the spinnaker sheet is estimated at 26.2 metres.
With a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 17.71 and a Displacement Length Ratio of 454, the Nicholson 39 falls into the “ultra heavy cruisers” category. Only 2% of comparable designs are heavier. Her length-to-beam ratio is 3.39, making her slimmer than 58% of similar boats.
The capsize screening value is 1.62, while theoretical hull speed is 7.1 knots. Her Motion Comfort Ratio of 43.3 is reported as more comfortable than 96% of all similar sailboat designs, a result consistent with the heavy, narrow hull form.
Engine and Tankage
The Nicholson 39 may be fitted with an inboard Ford diesel engine. She carries 284 litres of fuel and 473 litres of fresh water. Those capacities suit a self-sufficient cruising brief rather than a weekend coastal setup, while the ketch rig complements the tankage for extended passages.
Verdict
The Nicholson 39 is a low-production British ketch intended for comfortable, heavy-displacement cruising rather than speed. Her documented figures place her among the most stable and comfortable hulls of her type, and her tankage suits long stays away from shore. Her weight and sail plan, however, put her firmly outside the performance end of the market.
Pros
- Motion Comfort Ratio rated more comfortable than 96% of similar designs
- Long-keel fiberglass hull with modest draft for a boat of her weight
- Generous 284 L fuel and 473 L water capacity for extended cruising
- Ketch rig divides the sail plan for easier crew management
Cons
- Ultra-heavy Displacement Length Ratio limits speed and agility
- Fewer than 100 built, making spares and comparable boats scarce
- Low Sail Area/Displacement ratio suggests modest light-air performance
