The Nicholson 70 is and competitive on the racecourse.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 54.5′, the Nicholson 70 tops out around 9.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √54.5′ LWL = 9.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
48s/nm
Performance racer — quick around the cans and offshore.
Displacement / Length
308
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
9.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
20lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Nicholson 70 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Nicholson 70
Performance racer — quick around the cans and offshore.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Nicholson 70.
| Nicholson 70 | Ocean 71 | Ocean 75 | Swan 65 Ss Ketch | Swan 651 | Swan 76 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 70.0 | 71.0 | 75.0 | 64.6 | 65.7 | 76.3 |
| LWL | 54.5 | 59.3 | 60.0 | 47.0 | 55.1 | 61.3 |
| Beam | 17.1 | 17.3 | 17.3 | 16.3 | 17.5 | 19.0 |
| Displacement | 111 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 75 | 98 |
| Ballast | — | 20 | — | 30 | 31 | 24 |
| Sail Area | — | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 48 | — | — | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 28.0 | 21.9 | 17.0 | 18.8 | 18.4 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | — | 43.7 | 42.0 | 24.3 |
| Comfort | — | 41.4 | 46.1 | 50.4 | 44.3 | 45.9 |
| Capsize | — | 1.65 | 1.58 | 1.58 | 1.66 | 1.65 |
| Hull Speed | — | 10.3 | 10.4 | 9.2 | 9.9 | 10.5 |