I've been brought-up on 'proper' yachts but I had
been boat less for about 6 years. During this time I
had sailed with friends, and done a far bit of
chartering. The charter boats especially tended to be
fairly light weight 'saucers with a keel' and I had
been horrified by their sailing habits - bouncing off
waves, lots of weather helm if the sail balance was
wrong, and the smallest bit of bilge water went all
over the place as there was no proper sump.
By 1993 it was time to consider my own boat again. I
had decided on a size of 29 to 32 ft, as being big
enough to be comfortable, but small enough to keep
the running and mooring costs reasonable. Suitable
boats were the Rival 32, and the Contessa 32,
possibly a Twister, plus other less well known
designs, and a fairly conventional design. A broker
suggested a Nic 32 (when I was young the these were
the 'bees knees' of boats, and I had never thought of
owning one). I went to look at it, but thought it was
a rather dated interior layout.
There were two settee berths, no dinette that made up
to a double, and an outboard pilot berth, and the
forecabin had two 'proper' single berths (but with
easily accessible lockers underneath). The chart table
was fore-and-aft, without a seat. I initially said
'no', but went back the next week for another
look.
I realised the layout was very practical. The pilot
berth would be an excellent sea berth, with the
occupant out of the way when off watch. The settee
berths both had lee boards and would be secure on
either tack; same for the forecabin berths. The chart
table was enormous, and when heeled it is easy to
stand at it, better than sitting on a seat.
I do most of my sailing with a small crew, or even
single handed, so spacious accommodation is not a
pre-requisite. Doing some background reading I found
out that the Nic 32 is no ocean greyhound, but they
do keep going when other yachts may be having
problems. I have done some fairly impressive passage
times.
Above all, she looked like a proper yacht, with a
doghouse, nice sheer, attractive transom and enough
varnished wood to make her look traditional.
I bought her.