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Nordica 20
Designer: Malta-Muller  ·  Builder: Nordica Yachts/Exe Fibercraft  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Nordica 20

A compact and capable small cruiser, the Nordica 20 is a Finnish-built sailboat that earned a loyal following for its sturdy construction and practical design. Produced by Nautor's Swan parent company connections in Scandinavia, the Nordica 20 was designed with the demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea in mind, giving it a reputation for seaworthiness that belies its modest size. Well suited to coastal cruising and day sailing, this boat appeals to sailors who want a manageable, trailerable vessel without sacrificing the feel of a proper keelboat. Its solid build quality and stable hull form make it a forgiving choice for those stepping up from dinghies or looking for an affordable entry point into keelboat sailing. The cockpit and cabin layout prioritize practicality, offering enough shelter and storage for weekend adventures on the water. With a dedicated community of owners across Europe and beyond, the Nordica 20 has stood the test of time as a reliable and characterful small sailboat. For buyers seeking an honest, well-built cruiser that punches above its weight, it remains a worthy consideration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 19.50 ft / 5.94 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.50 ft / 5.03 m
Beam 7.67 ft / 2.34 m
Max Draft 3.25 ft / 0.99 m
Displacement 2,520.00 lb / 1,143 kg
Ballast 1,020.00 lb / 463 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 188.00 ft² / 17.47 m²
Headroom 4.42 ft / 1.35 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Malta-Muller
Builder Nordica Yachts/Exe Fibercraft
First Built 1975
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.28
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 14.83
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.26
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.44
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.09
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 452.19
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 25.16
J (Foretriangle Base) 6.33
P (Mainsail Luff) 23.33
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.16
SA Fore 79.63
SA Main 106.85
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