Description: |
Josephine of Whitehills is a rare and serious example of the 1963 Camper and Nicholson 36, a true classic from the pioneering days of GRP yacht construction. Built at a time when fiberglass was still new and over engineered rather than optimized, these hulls were laid up heavily and conservatively. The result is a remarkably strong and capable ocean cruiser that has stood the test of time.
Designed by Peter and Charles Nicholson and moulded by Halmatic, the Nicholson 36 combined traditional craftsmanship with early fiberglass innovation. Only 25 were built between 1962 and 1968. Josephine is particularly special, having her deck and interior fitted out by A H Moody and Sons to her original owners specification. She carries an extensive historical file and has been maintained throughout her life to a high standard.
For 35 years she was owned by John Lewis as a staff yacht and maintained to Lloyds Register standards. More recently she was purchased in Oban in 2022 and sailed south to Devon, where a major rig refit and offshore upgrades were completed in preparation for extended passagemaking. Since then she has sailed to Spain, cruised the Mediterranean, and in 2026 completed a transatlantic passage from Cape Verde to the West Indies. She has handled heavy weather confidently, including a significant storm off Morocco, proving herself exactly as these boats were intended to perform.
Her rig is a standout feature. In 2023 she received a new Selden twin spreader mast and boom package installed by AllSpars UK, along with completely new oversized standing rigging and inspected chainplates. A Harken MK4 racing furler with twin tracks was also fitted. This represents a substantial investment and gives enormous confidence for offshore work. Sail inventory includes a 2019 Hyde mainsail with two reefs, two 2019 Saturn genoas in excellent condition, a 2019 Saturn storm jib, two staysails, and a classic spinnaker. A 2024 Scanmar Monitor wind vane further reinforces her serious blue water credentials. |