Benoit, a sailor who wants to sail the open seas
Originally from Martigues, Benoit has been sailing on all kinds of sailboats since his early childhood. For several years now, this liveaboard sailing instructor has owned a Karaté, with which he has completed a number of coastal cruises, as well as the local regatta circuit. But the desire to change boat in anticipation of ocean cruising is on his mind.
" I was looking for a simple, very seaworthy boat within a reasonable budget. What's more, I'm very sensitive to the lines of classic turn-of-the-century sloops. But a wooden hull is too demanding to maintain. After a long search, I settled on the Nicholson 32, which has both classic lines and an excellent reputation for seaworthiness ".
A solid sailboat with several round-the-world voyages under its belt
Built in 370 units, the Nicholson 32 is a long-keel sloop that has sailed the seas of the world. Designed by architect Charles A Nicholson and his son Peter, it was one of the first production boats built in polyester.
Seaworthy, simple and well-built, it offers excellent handling and satisfactory living space for its time. Several models have sailed non-stop around the world via the southern seas. It was also aboard this yacht that sailor Clare Francis crossed the North Atlantic in 1973.
A well-maintained 1966 model
After visiting a first model that didn't inspire him, Benoit came across an ad for a Nicholson 32 based in Spain. The asking price was at the upper end of the range, but this 1966 model was in very good condition.
What's more, it has benefited from a number of modifications that have been very well executed. All manoeuvring is back in the cockpit, an opening deck hatch has been installed forward of the coachroof, and a beautiful bow fitting allows the attachment of a stainless steel bowsprit. All the old Goiot winches have been replaced by self-tailings, and the yacht is equipped with a Volvo MD2B, which has been completely overhauled
After starting her career in Southampton, this Nicholson 32 sailed to La Rochelle, then Marseille, before arriving in Spain. Her 4 e owner restored her for 5 years. Osmosis treatments were carried out regularly, and the on-board equipment was meticulously maintained.
An invigorating grip
Benoit, accompanied by a crew member, picked up his boat in Segur de Calafell, south of Barcelona. This 240-mile winter delivery trip is an ideal trial run for getting to grips with a new sailboat. After a technical check-up and inventory, the duo cast off for Martigues.
Right from the start, they attacked a long downwind leg with a 20-25 knot SW'ly wind. Then, after a small phase of calm under engine, the crew made 35-40 knots on the beam in the Golfe du Lion, with a nice 3m swell, as Benoit tells us:
" We had quite a bit of air for a first time, but the boat behaves really well. Under pilot, she's super-stable and very well-balanced. We even reached 9 knots!
If I had to point out any shortcomings, the main one is the difficulty of maneuvering in reverse with this long keel and 7-ton displacement. I'm also going to add some lazy jacks to make it easier to hoist the mainsail. And living space is pretty limited for a 32-foot sailboat. "
However, the results of this introduction are still very positive. Benoit will continue to learn how to handle his new boat, and, why not, start dreaming of taking part in the next Golden Globe Race.
