Camper Nicholson 43

[TangaraToo]

What are they like to sail?

 

[sailorman]

I know one couple who have owned one for over 30 yrs, they kept their Co32 for a while in case they didnt like the Nic

 

[lotusman]

comments based on several day sails in 'Tidechaser'

delightful to windward if a little wet, remains well mannered in big winds

big foresail will keep crew fit short tacking but long narrow cockpit keeps activities segregated

hoisting and reefing at mast less attractive to some than in cockpit

a very classy headturning yacht

 

[TangaraToo]

Thanks.
What are they like for close quarters handling?

 

[doris]

Thanks.
What are they like for close quarters handling?

Tricky. I looked at a couple in the mid nineties but they were hugely overpriced. Shame as they are very pretty and I had done shedloads of research. Small engine, long fin and skeg, not happy in reverse. Sailed uphill brilliantly, reached well but rolled like pigs downhill. As already notes, not dry but a spray hood on the one I played on was very effective.
With hindsight I am glad I was unsuccessful in that quest.

 

[Al Dickson]

Tricky. I looked at a couple in the mid nineties but they were hugely overpriced. Shame as they are very pretty and I had done shedloads of research. Small engine, long fin and skeg, not happy in reverse. Sailed uphill brilliantly, reached well but rolled like pigs downhill. As already notes, not dry but a spray hood on the one I played on was very effective.
With hindsight I am glad I was unsuccessful in that quest.

+1 Sailed one for 5 years a long time ago - very classy, good in heavy conditions, slow in light airs. Still about http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/nicholson-nicholsons-43-verkoophaven/39827422

 

[Cantata]

I'd echo much of what others have said. I sailed on one (brand new!) in about 1969/70 including a complete Cowes Week.
There are a couple of gorgeous ones in Suffolk Yacht Harbour. They were beautifully built.
The one that I sailed (which was a club boat belonging to, er, a large company that I worked for) went on to do a circumnavigation in her next ownership. Last saw her on the Orwell, too.

 

[jonic]

I haven't sailed the 43 but we had to take this Nich 45 http://www.jryachts.com/boat-details?boatid=858293 out in Southampton last week and she was gorgeous. Calm and well mannered downwind and tacked beautifully under the Itchen Bridge.

I told SWMBO we have to buy her but SWMBO says I am absolutely not allowed to own two boats.

 

[sailorman]

I'd echo much of what others have said. I sailed on one (brand new!) in about 1969/70 including a complete Cowes Week.
There are a couple of gorgeous ones in Suffolk Yacht Harbour. They were beautifully built.
The one that I sailed (which was a club boat belonging to, er, a large company that I worked for) went on to do a circumnavigation in her next ownership. Last saw her on the Orwell, too.

Black Horse & Oberon (see post 2)

 

[Twister_Ken]

Black Horse & Oberon (see post 2)

Black Horse. Lloyds Bank SC?

 

[sailorman]

Black Horse. Lloyds Bank SC?

Really

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Used to sail and crew one regularly about 40 years ago but only the odd touch since. The foredeck gets very wet in a bit of a sea though - I can remember getting drenched regardless of the weather. The genoa is huge and, at least on 70's and 80's gear, hard work - possibly a little too hard for some couples. Slow in light airs by today's standards but not compared to her peers. Handling is again typical of her generation and she has no more idea of how to reverse than my other half. Nice on the helm and goes to windward well. Handles better downwind than most of the racers of the era. Accommodation is poor by today's standards but good for her age I think. Probably the definitive classic yacht for me - looks as gorgeous now as she did when I lusted after one as a lad, goes well and just enough handling quirks to keep you on your toes without upsetting you. Also it's a Camper & Nicholson which has more cachet than just about any other name in yachting for me.

 

[lotusman]

... Accommodation is poor by today's standards but good for her age I think ....

from memory, chart table is huge

 

[Shuggy]

I own one: No. 25, 'Sarah'. I echo most of the comments above, particularly about close-quarters handling. But she is a dream to sail, especially upwind. Accommodation is poor for a 43 footer, but she does have 13' of overhangs and a (very) narrow bum. In haste now as trying to earn a living(!), but I will post some more when I have a mo in the next couple of days. Happy to answer any questions.

She does draw attention wherever you go, which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your outlook. I rather like it!

P.S. See my avatar for the spinny. Makes sailing 2 up with three young children rather exciting.

 

[doug748]

Congratualtions Shuggy, superb boat.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but; how do you find the maintenance? Do you mange all the stuff yourself? Is there anything special to look out for in the construction when viewing an old one?

 

[sjdtuk]

I have a Nic 45 which I have owned for 18 years. I believe it is the last one built by Camper and Nicholson in 1972. The 43, 45 and 55 were all designed by Ray Wall and I think look great. She is a joy to sail and surprisingly good in light airs for such a big lump. The primaries are pretty hard work and close quarters handling can be entertaining for the onlookers but one adapts. We find her a fantastic family boat for young children as it is possible to passage make for several days in quite challenging conditions without affecting the children's routine at all. The cockpit is very comfortable as well. We even bath the children in a small fold-able bath on the floor of the heads.
The build is very strong with many frames and stringers with a heavy lay up. The keel is encapsulated so no bolts.
For old ones - things to look for; hull deck join roughly level with the companionway can be weak, chain-plates can leak and the rig will getting on if original. Newer rigs tend to be lighter and the wire is correspondingly thicker. Chain-plates often need replacing to accommodate.

 

[Philiz]

comments based on several day sails in 'Tidechaser'

delightful to windward if a little wet, remains well mannered in big winds

big foresail will keep crew fit short tacking but long narrow cockpit keeps activities segregated

hoisting and reefing at mast less attractive to some than in cockpit

a very classy headturning yacht

Was this the 'Tidechaser' owned by Fletch?

 

[Shuggy]

A couple of pics from this summer below. As far as maintenance goes, I do do (pretty much) everything myself but there's not all that much to do, in answer to the question above...

 

[Tradewinds]

Gorgeous :encouragement:

 

[sailorman]

She certainly has that row away look. A very handsome yacht.
where was she anchored