Nicholson 303

Ed S · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003

Any opinions on the Nicholson 303 for East Coast Long Island Sound sailing....also would this boat be suitable for a Newport to Bermuda run?

Jeff_H · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003

I am reasonably familiar with the Nicholson 303. This is a cruising version of the Ron Holland designed IOR half tonners made infamous by the 1979 Fastnet disaster. These are the poster childs for what was wrong with the late 1970''s era IOR rule. Pinched ends, high vertical center of gravity, large jib small mainsail rig proportions, rudders that would stall out out when heeled and stability that was heavily dependent on crew weight on the rail. As race boats these offered neither good light air performance, nor good heavy air performance, nor good reaching performance. With enough weight on the rail, they did offer good upwind performance in moderate winds.

So, while these were pretty well constructed boats boats, they are literally the textbook example in Marchaj''s "Seaworthiness, the Forgotten Factor" for the type of boat that should not be taken offshore. Their dismal light air performance would make them a poor choice for LIS as well.

Respectfully
Jeff

geohan · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2003

Jeff:
I infer from your post that you read Marchaj. Do you also read Bethwaite? I''ve been trying to find someone to help me resolve some apparant typographical errors in Bethwaite''s "High Performance Sailing" but I''m not having much luck. Cheers, George

Jeff_H · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2003

Yes I read and enjoyed both. Marchaj''s work is absolutely wonderful for the time that it was written. Unfortunately much of his data and therefore his conclusions were based on the models for light weight boats of that time. In that era light weight boats were by and large based on the IOR rule of the era. Sonce that time, a lot of research into motion, and seaworthiness has taken place and many of the basic conclusions in Marchaj''s book, while valid for the typeforms that he studied are less valid for more modern typeforms.

Bethwaite is a fascinating book. It is stunning how much is covered in this comparatively small volume. I don''t know if I can help you with the ''typos'' but I would be glad to take a look for you.

Regards
Jeff

sailnfish · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2003

Jeff,
I recently read your comment on the Nicholson 303 with great interest. Recently I''ve been considering a Nicholson 33 which is a Holland design also and from the same era as the 303. Do you share the same thoughts about the 33? Would be used in the Chesapeake Bay.

Thanks,

Roland V.