Rigging Dimensions
The four foretriangle measurements sailmakers need to quote a new suit.
I ?
51.50 ft
J ?
15.50 ft
P ?
45.30 ft
E ?
15.30 ft
Sail Area Breakdown
Calculated from rigging dimensions. Use these as your starting point when ordering a new suit.
| Sail | Area (ft²) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| MainsailP × E ÷ 2 | 346.5 | 32.2 |
| 100% ForetriangleI × J ÷ 2 | 399.1 | 37.1 |
| 150% GenoaTypical light-air headsail | 598.7 | 55.6 |
| Storm Jib~50% of foretriangle, high-cut | 199.6 | 18.5 |
| Symmetric SpinnakerEstimated from I, J | 1,436.9 | 133.5 |
| Total Working Sail AreaMain + 100% foretriangle | 745.7 | 69.3 |
Foretriangle Diagram
Drawn to scale from published I, J, P, E measurements — Masthead Ketch · Camper & Nicholson/Raymond Wall design
Performance Ratios
How the Nicholson 48 carries its sail relative to its displacement.
SA/D Ratio
12.1
Heavy and modestly canvassed — a comfortable cruiser, not fast.
Mast Height (above DWL)
— ft
Air draft not published — measure yours before any bridge transit.
Ballast Ratio
32%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability underway.
Typical Sail Inventory
What Nicholson 48 owners usually carry and what's worth buying used vs. new.
Mainsail 346.5 ft²
Dacron cross-cut with 2 reef points is standard. Full-batten is a common upgrade.
Replace new
150% Genoa 598.7 ft²
The workhorse headsail. Most boats have one on a furler by now.
Replace new
110% Working Jib ~439 ft²
Good secondary sail for breezy days — used market is strong.
Buy used
Storm Jib 199.6 ft²
Bright orange recommended. Rarely used, hard to justify new.
Buy used
Asymmetric Spinnaker ~1,437 ft²
Popular downwind upgrade — easier than symmetric for shorthanded sailing.
Optional
Replacement Cost Estimator
Get a rough price range for a new mainsail and genoa for the Nicholson 48 — Dacron, laminate, and cruising performance tiers.