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Sailboat Specifications

Nicholson 36

Masthead Sloop · Fin Keel

Designed by Charles A. Nicholson/ Peter Nicholson · Built by Camper & Nicholson · First built 1960

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LOA 36.25 ft  ·  Beam 9.50 ft  ·  Displacement 16,850.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 565.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin Keel
About the Nicholson 36 Sailboat

Built by the prestigious British yard Camper & Nicholson starting in 1960, this classic yacht represents the refined design philosophy of Charles A. Nicholson and Peter Nicholson during the early modern era of fiberglass construction. With only 26 hulls produced, the Nicholson 36 stands as an exclusive example of traditional British yacht design adapted to contemporary materials. The boat's substantial 16,850-pound displacement and moderate comfort ratio of 44.65 suggest excellent seaworthiness for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. Her fin keel configuration provides good windward performance while maintaining the stability characteristics valued by serious cruising sailors. The masthead sloop rig offers straightforward sail handling and proven reliability in varied conditions. Notable for her robust construction and classic proportions, this yacht appeals to sailors seeking a vessel with genuine offshore capability and timeless aesthetics. The generous beam of 9.50 feet provides comfortable interior volume, while the nearly 6-foot draft ensures solid tracking and reduced leeway when sailing to windward. Her capsize screening value of 1.48 falls well within accepted parameters for ocean voyaging, making her suitable for ambitious coastal and offshore adventures where traditional seamanship and proven design take precedence over pure performance.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 36.25 ft / 11.05 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 5.92 ft / 1.80 m
Displacement 16,850.00 lb / 7,643 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 565.00 ft² / 52.49 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Charles A. Nicholson/ Peter Nicholson
Builder Camper & Nicholson
First Built 1960
Number Built 26
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nicholson 36's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Nicholson 36 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 13.81. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Nicholson 36's comfort ratio?

The Nicholson 36 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 44.65. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Nicholson 36 safe for offshore sailing?

The Nicholson 36 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.48. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Nicholson 36?

The theoretical hull speed of the Nicholson 36 is 6.83 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Nicholson 36 weigh?

The Nicholson 36 has a displacement of 16,850.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 36.25 ft.

Who designed the Nicholson 36?

The Nicholson 36 was designed by Charles A. Nicholson/ Peter Nicholson, first built in 1960.