Nicholson 55

The Nicholson 55 is a 16.4-meter masthead sloop designed by Raymond Wall and built by Camper, Nicholson, and Nicholsons since 1971. It features a fin keel with a rudder on a skeg, a 4.4-meter beam, a 2.5-meter draft, and displaces 17,249 kg. The English Ministry of Defence purchased 12 of these yachts, and a few hulls were constructed from aluminum. Aboard *SURPRISE*, a Nicholson 55 toured by Berthon International, the center cockpit layout accommodates nine berths across three cabins.2:20 This vessel, under single ownership since 1988, has undergone annual winter storage ashore and received new teak decking in 1995.0:25 Its rig includes rod rigging and an upgraded sail plan for downwind performance, complemented by a recently installed bow thruster.1:07 The cockpit is equipped with electric and manual winches and B&G instruments.2:20 Below deck, the saloon features large windows, and the interior includes a galley with refrigeration, two heads with showers, and air conditioning.2:59 Engine access is near the pilot berth, and the forward cabin offers four bunks, with two folding for storage, while the aft cabin provides two additional berths.4:15