Design and Construction
At 17 feet 2 inches overall, with a maximum beam of a full eight feet, the Nomad provides a broad, stable platform for its length, according to its flat hull dimensions. Cored hull construction keeps the boat's weight to 550 pounds, while a similarly built deck helps hold the rigged weight to 650 pounds. That's light enough for easy trailering behind a family vehicle, but too heavy for cartopping.
A flared deck reminiscent of the RS300 gives the topsides visual and practical volume. The retractable centerboard and kick-up rudder simplify launching, retrieving, and storage. The hull is well finished, and that clean engineering carries through to the Harken deck hardware and the Proctor aluminum mast and boom.
Rig and Handling
The Nomad is a sloop with a 174-square-foot sailplan. One person can step the mast, raise the sails, and complete the single-handed rigging in about 20 minutes. The jib rolls in and out on a furler, while the mainsheet leads toward the helmsman and away from the passengers, keeping the crew clear of the working end of the boat. Halyards, sheets, and sail controls are cleanly laid out and well engineered.
An 180-square-foot asymmetrical spinnaker—set from a retractable sprit on the early show boats—is easy to deploy, handle, and douse. Its size and power suit the broad, stable hull and deliver real offwind speed. A fast, experienced sailor can singlehand the Nomad, though it is realistically a crewed daysailer.
Cockpit and Stowage
The cockpit is broad and uncluttered, with comfortable seating for four adults or two adults and a covey of kids. The boat is rated to carry as many as six people.
Four large cockpit lockers provide ample stowage, while two forward watertight compartments add a measure of security at the bow. There are no trapeze wires or hiking straps; the Nomad is designed for sitting in the boat rather than hanging off its side.
A standard galvanized trailer completes the package, ready to take the boat from driveway to ramp.
Equipment and Standard Sailplan
Every Nomad comes with North 3DL sails made using North's Rotary Molding technology, derived from the company's successful big-boat racing 3DL sails. That's a notable level of sailmaking for a 17-footer.
The mainsail and jib have a combined area of 172 square feet. Standard Harken deck hardware supports the furler and sheet systems. Where fitted, the spinnaker adds the offwind dimension invited by the stable hull.
Known Constraints
At the Nomad's introduction, Vanguard stated that there were no immediate plans to establish a one-design racing component. Buyers looking for a class circuit should note that gap from the outset. The boat is also not legal for PHRF racing in most areas.
Verdict
The Vanguard Nomad is a thoughtfully engineered small daysailer. It combines the beam and stability of a family boat with race-derived sails and a sloop rig that one person can set up. It suits sailors who want quick rigging, easy trailering, and lively offwind performance without the athletic demands of a skiff.
Pros
- Beamy, stable 17-foot hull, with cored construction keeping its weight manageable for trailering
- Solo rigging in roughly 20 minutes, with a furling jib and clean control layout
- Broad, uncluttered cockpit with generous lockers and watertight bow compartments
- Standard North 3DL sails and galvanized trailer
Cons
- Not legal for PHRF racing in most areas
- No one-design racing program planned at introduction
- Too heavy to cartop at 650 pounds rigged
