Camper & Nicholson 31

[cpthook]

Hi
Anyone have any experienced of owning a 31 at all please?
I've been told she'll do 5 knots only in a gale. Is this true?
Thanks in advance.

 

[heerenleed]

You probably have been told by someony who could'nt afford a boat of such quality. I've never owned one, but friends of mine do. We have done a lot of holiday sailing together. Me in my Nic 35, they in their Nic 31. In lighter airs (anything under 20 knots) they were faster than me, and faster than a lot of other boats. Of course, in slight seas the modern French "snot bubbles" (as we like calling them in the Netherlands) are faster. But in any sea it is us in our dispacement yachts that have the last laugh.

Anyway, the Nic 31 is a true "pocket" blue water cruiser. It has good accomodation and is a delight to sail.

If you can get one: Go for it

Fair winds


Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[Gunfleet]

I recently bought a C&N 26. I can't find any info about that at all, except a snippet on the King's site, so I guess my post is a sort of repetition of the one at the head of the thread, only smaller! Anyone any experiences to relate? Any other owners out there? jm

 

[ccscott49]

I kn ow of one 26, on the river dart, he guy is a liveaboard, crusty old character ex fleet air arm, often found in the Dartmouth Arms pub, he's had it for donkeys years and knows them stem to stern! It never moves! The bottom of his boat, is a site of special scientific interest, theres things growing on the bottom of it, that haven't been seen in British waters in 100 years!

 

[heerenleed]

There must be quite a number around still.. Over 60 have been built. If no-one reacts to your question, why not try C&N. They keep records of who owns which boat. Worth a try...

Anyway, knowing the quality of the Nicolsons I presume the 26 too is a proper sailling yacht. She may not be as fast as modern designs, but surely she has a better motion in any seaway.

When you find she is too slow, first have a good and critical look at your sails. Anything sails with a good set of sails. It's not the seams that count. It's the shape. It judging this is byond your skill, ask a sailmaker's opinion.

Even if the sails are OK and you still feel she is too slow or does not point quite high enough, dont give up. We own a Nic48 now, and it really took us some two sailing seasons before she really did what we wanted. Nics tend to be forgiving where sail trim is concerned, but they are also very grateful if you trim her right.

fair winds and happy sailing

Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[Jeremy_W]

There was a Nic 31 on "Rally Portugal" 1997. She seemed to keep up with the fleet (mostly larger yachts) OK. She was designed by Ray Wall, who learned naval architecture with Robert Clark (Jocasta/ Gipsy Moth III/ British Steel/ Sir Thomas Lipton/ OYC ketches) so expect good windward performance.

 

[alant]

Have a word with the Broker @ Bucklers Hard, used to be production Manager/director for C&N when these were first built. He also has a wealth of sailing/racing experience. Can't remember his name, but he knows whats under their skins etc.

 

[Jeremy_W]

Do you mean Richard Bagnall?