Remarks
The Nicholson half-tonner was designed by Ron Holland in 1976 to the Half Ton Cup IOR rule, and had considerable racing success. This 1978 example has the later design of iron keel with lead bulb. She is both fast and exciting to sail with race crew or short handed. All lines lead to the cockpit from where both white sails can be reefed.
"Layback's" accommodation has been updated to include five good berths and a galley superior to one normally found on a boat of this size. All upholstery and head linings have been replaced during 2014 / 16. All standing rigging was replaced in 2015 along with the addition of a new genoa and cruising chute. "Layback" has been lifted out annually for a minimum of 4 weeks for maintenance. She has been antifouled and fully serviced 2016 ready for the season. A 2016 survey is available. In the seven years of current ownership continual improvements have been made, whilst successful club racing and Irish Sea cruising have been enjoyed in this very capable boat.
Accommodation
The accommodation has benefited from extensive refurbishment and upgrading during the current ownership. Behind the companionway steps is access to the engine and main electrical panel. Either side are 2 good sized quarter berths. Moving forward to port is a saloon berth with storage and removable table. To starboard is the navigation station with folding chart table and the galley. The gas cooker with twin hob, grill and oven was replaced in 2011. There is a single stainless steel sink with drainer and foot-pumped cold water as well as a cool box and a variety of storage cupboards. Forward of the keel-stepped mast and main bulkhead, to port is a Jabsco sea toilet, new in 2011 and to starboard are a wash basin and cupboards. The fore-cabin has a V berth providing the final 2 of the 5 berths. All the upholstery and foam cushions were renewed in as were all the cabin head-linings.
Inventory
- 2 x Plastimo bulkhead mounted compasses
- NASA Depth Sounder
- NASA Log/Speed
- NASA Wind speed / direction
- Navtex weather
- Standard Horizon GX1500E VHF Radio with cockpit handset
- Garmin GPS 152H with cockpit repeater
- Autohelm 1000
- Clock and barometer
- FM radio / CD player
- Fog Horn
- Bilge Pump
- Boathook
- Navigation Lights
- Warps & Fender
- Dodgers
- Sprayhood - new in 2015
- 25lb CQR anchor
Mechanical and Rigging
Construction
GRP hull, deck and superstructure with white hull and grey non slip deck. Iron & lead fin keel. Spade rudder with tiller steering. Large race efficient self-draining cockpit with central mainsheet traveller. Cockpit sole locker and self-draining gas bottle locker.
Engine & Electrics
Beta BZ482 13HP Diesel inboard engine (1999), serviced every season. Shaft drive through flexible coupling and P bracket to a 2 bladed FLEXIFOLD propeller (2011) with rope cutter. Single lever controls with tachometer and VHF handset adjacent to helm. Super engine access with all cover panels removable. 12 Volt electrical system with 2 batteries charged from alternator.
Spars & Rigging
Fractional Bermudan sloop with alloy mast, boom and spinnaker pole. All standing rigging replaced in 2015. Most running lines replaced during current ownership. All lines lead to cockpit clutches. FURLEX 200S roller reefing with twin groove foil. Slab reefing mainsail with lines lead to cockpit. 2 x Lewmar 40 genoa winches. 2 x Lewmar 16 self-tailing halyard winches. 2 x Lewmar 30 self-tailing runner winches. Sprung rod kicker with cockpit line. Backstay adjuster. Mainsail - 2008 by Goacher in very good condition. Slab reefing from cockpit with lazy jacks and boom bag. Furling Genoa - New 2015 by Goacher - cruise laminate - 140%. Furling genoa - 2004 by Saturn - very useable for cruising. Spinnakers - by Hood in good condition and heavy weather spinnaker in excellent condition. Asymmetric - new 2015 by Crusader with retractable bowsprit. Several older sails are also included.
