nordica 16 sailboat

introduction

Sailing Strait Rhumb

These pages are dedicated to the Nordica 16 "Strait Rhumb" sailing out of the Charlottetown Yacht Club on Prince Edward Island's Northumberland Strait

Charlottetown Yacht Club

History of the Charlottetown Yacht Club

Nordica Boats

Nordica 16 Discussion Group

Installing a Whisker Pole

Adding a cockpit hatch

Reefing a Nordica 16

Nordica Fleet Burgee

Strait Rhumb Improvements

2007 Logbook of the Sailing Vessel Strait Rhumb

2008 Logbook

About Strait Rhumb

Strait Rhumb N-16 hull # 463

Strait Rhumb Race Results

Strait Rhumb video

Sailing Book Reviews

Sailing book reviews

The Nordica 16

The Nordica 16 is a pocket cruiser based on a north sea design and built in Denmark. In the mid-1970s the design was exported to Canada and was built be the Exe Fibrecraft in Exeter, Ontario. Production continued into the early 1980s and about 500 boats appear to have been built. After production in Exeter ceased an unknown number of boats were built elsewhere in Ontario by the Airscoops Corporation. Molds for the hull have been reported in several locations across Canada. Copies of the molds were also made for Australia

The Exe Nordica came in two different models differing only in equipment supplied. The deluxe model had a genoa, bow pulpit, navigation lights and special colours.

The Nordica design is very salty with full keel, double ender with a cuddy cabin and two berths that can just barely accommodate a 6 footer. Although called the Nordica 16 the waterline exclusive of the rudder is only 13' 10" and the total length is just over 15 feet. Beam - 6’2" Displacement - 925 lbs, With 450 lbs of concrete ballast enclosed in fiberglass it is very stable and has kind motion in heavy seas. The N-16 can handle heavy weather and does not heel excessively. It has good speed and stability in high winds. Easy to load/unload from a trailer due to its shallow draft (1’10”). The chief weaknesses is that the cockpit is not self draining. Slow in light winds - a # 2 Genoa sail helps.

In Lynaes Denmark, where the design originated, the boat is known as the Lynaes 15 and is built an an almost identical design. In Holland it appears as the Midget 15. It is also referred to as the Oostzeejol (Baltic Sea Dinghy). Hull molds appear to have been exported to Australia where it was built as the Lynaes 15. European versions of the boat appear to have been equiped with a spinnaker rig and this rig also appears on some of the North American Boats.

A variation of the design called the Danica was built in British Columbia. in the 1980s. This had the same hull shape but with a slightly deeper keel. The cabin and cockpit have been altered to provide for more room.

The Nordica design also appeared in a 20 foot and 30 foot model and the design of the Nordica was later used as the basis for the Halman boats

Thanks for looking at my web page. Check out the Yahoo discussion group on the N-16 found in the links

Review of Nordica 16

Basic specs., sailing characteristics.

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Nordica 16 is 2.53, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 5.0 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Nordica 16 is about 53 kg/cm, alternatively 301 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 53 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 301 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section shown boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what to look for.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Nordica 16 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

NORDICA 16 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of NORDICA 16. Built by Exe Fibercraft Ltd. (CAN) and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1975. It has a hull type of Double-ended with long keel and LOA is 4.72. Its sail area/displacement ratio 21.95. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

NORDICA 16 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about NORDICA 16 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who builds nordica 16.

NORDICA 16 is built by Exe Fibercraft Ltd. (CAN).

When was NORDICA 16 first built?

NORDICA 16 was first built in 1975.

How long is NORDICA 16?

NORDICA 16 is 3.99 m in length.

What is mast height on NORDICA 16?

NORDICA 16 has a mast height of 5.49 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Welcome to Peter's Boats

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The boat in the pictures belonged to a friend of mine and the pictures are his. His website is: http://my.drytel.net/rskene/

I sailed my Nordica 16, which was also red out of the Whitby marina.

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The Nordica 20 Sailboat

The Nordica 20 is a small but sturdy sailboat that was designed by Malta-Muller and built by Nordica Yachts in Canada from 1975 to 1985.

It is a trailerable cruiser with a long keel, a masthead sloop rig, and a canoe stern. It has a fiberglass hull and can accommodate four people in its cozy cabin. The Nordica 20 is known for its seaworthiness and classic lines, and has been used for ocean crossings and coastal cruising by many adventurous sailors.

Published Specification for the Nordica 20

Underwater Profile:  Long keel & transon-hung rudder

Hull Material:   GRP (fibreglass)

Length Overall:  19' 6" / 5.9m

Waterline Length:  16' 6" / 5.0m

Beam:  7' 8" / 2.34m

Draft:  3' 0" / 0.9m

Rig Type:  Masthead Sloop

Displacement:  2,500lb / 1,134kg

Designer:  Malta-Muller

Builder:  Nordica Yachts (Canada)

Year First Built:  1975

The Nordica 20: A Few FAQs...

What are the published design ratios for the Nordica 20 and, based on those ratios, how is the boat likely to perform under sail?

The design ratios for the Nordica 20 are as follows:

• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 16.3
• Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 40.5
• Displacement/Length Ratio: 250
• Comfort Ratio: 14.8
• Capsize Screening Formula: 2.3

Based on these ratios, the Nordica 20 is a reasonably good performer under sail, with enough sail area to move well in light winds and enough ballast to handle moderate winds. It has a moderate displacement that makes it stable and comfortable, but not too heavy or slow. It has a low comfort ratio that means it may not be very comfortable in rough seas, especially for its small size. It has a high capsize screening formula that suggests it is less suited for ocean passages than other similar boats in its class.

Is the Nordica 20 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The Nordica 20 is no longer in production. Production ended in 1985, after about 10 years and around 200 boats built.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Nordica 20 were built and what are the differences between them?

The Nordica 20 has two related versions: the Halman 20 and the Halman 21. The Halman 20 is a development of the Nordica 20, with minor changes such as a different cabin layout, a larger cockpit, and a bowsprit. The Halman 21 is similar to the Halman 20, but with a longer waterline and more interior space.

How many people can sleep on board a Nordica 20?

The Nordica 20 can sleep four people, with a double V-berth in the bow cabin and two straight settee berths in the main cabin. However, the cabin is very small and cramped, so it may not be very comfortable for more than two people for extended periods of time.

How did the sailing press review the Nordica 20?

The sailing press gave mixed reviews to the Nordica 20. Some praised its classic looks, solid construction, and sailing performance, while others criticized its small cockpit, limited buoyancy aft, and lack of amenities. For example, Steve Henkel wrote in his book ' The Sailor's Book of Small Cruising Sailboats' : "The springy sheer and rounded stern on both the Nordica and Halman give them a salty look...[They] have relatively small cockpits; more than two occupants would constitute a crowd...the extra two berths are pretty much usable only for stowage or in harbor."

What do owners of the Nordica 20 have to say about their boats?

Owners of the Nordica 20 generally love their boats and enjoy sailing them in various conditions. They appreciate their boat's beauty, quality, and seaworthiness, as well as their ability to trailer them easily. They also acknowledge their boat's limitations, such as its small size, low headroom, and simple equipment. Some owners have made modifications to their boats to improve their comfort or performance, such as adding solar panels, wind generators, autopilots, or roller furling systems. Owners also share their experiences and advice on an active class club website called Nordica Boats .

What is the history of the builders of the Nordica 20 and is the company still in business?

The builders of the Nordica 20 were Exe Fibercraft Ltd., a Canadian company that operated under the brand name Nordica Yachts from 1975 to 1985. The company was founded by John Edwards and Peter Jensen, who were inspired by the Danish double-enders designed by Malta-Muller. They started by building the Nordica 16, a smaller version of the Lynaes Senior, which was also designed by Malta-Muller. They then developed the Nordica 20, which was based on the Lynaes Senior, but with some changes to suit the North American market. They also built the Nordica 30, a larger version of the Nordica 20, and the Nordica 40, a custom-designed boat. The company ceased operations in 1985, due to financial difficulties and changing market demands.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Nordica 20?

The average cost of a secondhand Nordica 20 varies depending on the condition, age, location, and equipment of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range for a used Nordica 20 is between $5,000 and $15,000 USD. However, these prices may not reflect the current market value or demand for these boats.

How does the Nordica 20 compare to other similar sailboats in its class?

The Nordica 20 is comparable to other small cruising sailboats in its class, such as the Cape Dory 19 Typhoon Weekender, the Flicka 20, the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, and the Westsail 23. These boats share some common features, such as a long keel, a canoe stern, a masthead sloop rig, and a fiberglass hull. They also have similar design ratios and performance characteristics. However, they differ in some aspects, such as their size, weight, layout, equipment, and price.

For example, the Cape Dory 19 Typhoon Weekender is slightly smaller and lighter than the Nordica 20, but has less interior space and amenities.

The Flicka 20 is slightly larger and heavier than the Nordica 20, but has more interior space and amenities.

The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is much larger and heavier than the Nordica 20, but has more interior space and amenities.

The Westsail 23 is similar in size and weight to the Nordica 20, but has less interior space and amenities.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

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• Sailboat Guide

1979 execet nordica 16

• Description

Seller's Description

classic lines rough water and wind capable proven FG day sailor- overnight cuddy cabin use. canoe stern, perfect gelcoat bow pulpit added , updated, new floorboards , trailer , easy launch 3600.

Equipment: tohatsu 5 hp longshaft ob 2 sails, trailer, pulpit added, ready to sail, classic FG canadian built can handle heavy wind and wave conditions priced to sell 415 713 6876

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Derived from the Swedish built LYNAES 14. Similar versions: DANICA 16. (25 built) MIDGET 15, Lynæs Shipyard Ltd.,Germany. OOSTZEEJOL (15) Thanks to Jack Gutter for providing information.

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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Danica 16 owners Unite!

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I'm looking to hunt down the other Danica 16 owners out there As they were built in Vancouver BC Canada I suspect most are still in BC I know of 3 personally of the 25 there were made Any others out there? A couple of us were thinking of having a rally  

Hi, I have been looking to buy a Danica 16, do you know of one for sale ? If I am lucky to get one I would be interested in meeting up with some owners. Steve.  

Hi there I have a danica I love! There was a guy selling one a few months back I'm emailing him to see if he still has it and wants to sell it I'll let you know  

Many Thanks  

Sorry Steve , the fellow got back to me but hes since decided to keep his Danica, best of luck  

Is there a seal or seem running the length of Danicas from bow to stern? Thank you.  

I think from the bottom of the keel it looks like there is, though I'd have to go check. It isn't evident anywhere else though Out of curiousity why do you ask? (the last post I did here was about 10 months ago!)  

Hi I looked at the photos I don't think splitting in half is a concern with most Danica/Nordicas THe metal strip is just a keel protector. Some Nordicas have them running the entire length of the keel front to back. I can see a few patches/repairs on the keel but with a well-used looking Danica like that one it's not entirely surprising and nice to know someone was paying attention and patching it up. I have a small section I did on mine too. On the ebay Danica I would be more concerned about these items: - The top of the rudder(cheeks I think they're called) look non original and like they're conventional plywood, also it looks like it's a little too big/tall. The tiller shouldn't flop down onto the back of the cockpit like that. -I would ask/check out the cabin sole. Somebody has added something to the cockpit floor around the bottom of the compression post. A common problem in both Nordicas and Danicas is soggy floatation foam. -THe top of the cabin looks oddly flecked with black..is the gellcoat worn through or cracking or is paint overspray, I can't tell -the bright work all needs to be done(some body painted it blue..ick!) I like doing this sort of thing on a little boat so no big deal, i had to do mine and it was quite pleasing. - Why is the motor mount facing sideways??? - What are the sails like? there's no mention of Sails? new sails for a Danica could run up to $1200-1500!!? - It was one of the models with the inboard outboard,(thus the cutaway rudder) the builder/designer Peter Hahn told me they made a few like that but it didn't work out to well with the 2 stroke outboards they had at the time, too smokey on the cabin, that's not a minus though, it could work well with an electric or 4 stroke though it's likely been glassed in - Nice trailer and many other good points too, pulpit and pushpit! Danicas are great boats, I really love mine!! It's on the Nordica 16 yahoo site in the Nutmeg or piracy photo folder I would ask a tonne of questions if i wasn't able to see it first hand Where are you located There's one for sale in Vancouver(where they were built...only 25 made!) ********Sailboat for sale - includes moorage - $3900 -  

Oh yes and how's the runnning rigging and blocks Replacing it all could cost a few bucks too!  

You can check out my Danica here if you want It's not quite as tricked out as the one on ebay Cute As A Bugs Ear And Salty Looking Too I paid 1300 with the trailer and a 50 lbs thrust minn Kota a couple of years ago Which I sold as I don't find they have enough oomph if you really need it. The sails were decent and I'm still using them. I did do a little fiberglass retabbing inside, brightwork, and I've made a new mast base, compression post and added a pulpit, oh and new trailer tires. I got a deal. The price on ebay would only be worth it if it had good sails. It's not in tip top shape which the price would seem to reflect You can see the one in Vancouver comes with a honda 2hp and the years moorage which is a pretty decent deal  

Yeah, I had some concerns too (but thanks for pointing out a lot more), plus I couldn't go see it before bidding (at a price I thought was too high), so I passed it up. But oh, she's a salty looking gal!  

They all are, those double looking ports are quite unique! I have seen a double port version . I suspect the wooden surrounds are an addition. The round ports on Danica's are a result of the builder getting a deal at an auction on opening bronze portlights and only appear on the later models. Some Danicas had built in galleys and heads if you can believe it! Ask the buyer if he'll take a lower buy it now (provided he provide more information(like sails , cabin sole etc) I hope I didn't rain on your parade at all, i was just trying to be helpful Where are you located? I'm assuming nowhere near Manitoba  

You are right - Los Angeles - a little bit of a commute for those weekend sails on the $3900 Danica with paid slip. I had actually checked out your Danica review and videos a while ago. Yar, har, har! Post some mar! Do you know if there were any Danicas built with double ports, galley, and head? My wife wants our boats to keep getting bigger, but I want to go smaller. You think with double ports, galley, and head I could trick her? Me: Honey, it's bigger than average. Her: That didn't work before. What makes you think it will work now? *SLAP* Oh, well.  

Ahh L.A. I used to tour down that way a lot with bands And yes I agree a long commute Why don't you look for a Cape Dory Typhoon? There a little rarer on the West Coast but there's more in the States and they have some amenities. Still trailerable too Yes I believe there were Danicas with double ports as well as with Galleys and with heads. Whether any one of them combined all these features I couldnt tell you. A Danica is really a camping boat as far as accomodations goes, but very stout and seaworthy for all that What are you sailing now?  

I have a Clipper Marine Crealock 23 Twin Keel that I'm trying to sell. I also have a Montgomery 8 sailing dinghy. I like transom hung rudders on rounded canoe sterns (so the Typhoon doesn't really appeal to me). For the near future, something small and easily trailerable is best. I don't want to pay a slip fee any more, and a trailer for my current boat would cost more than the boat is worth. I like a fairly full keel, so a Danica seems just right, just wish it was lapstrake. I really like the looks of that ebay one. It has a lot of potential.  

Windkiller, What are the biggest waves and strongest wind you have been in and how did your boat handle it?  

Rounded canoe stern isn't a priority, but I like a big, full keel transom rudder on a smaller full keel boat; a Vertue, Allegra, Flicka, Folkboat, or Contessa would be nice. They are pretty, but I worry about the internal rudder post and sleeve on boats like the Typhoon and Kittiwake.  

Sounds like you're having fun! Do you have a link to some pictures? As you know, I really like double enders and found this Bob Perry blog quite interesting: Sail Far Live Free - Sailboats, Sailing News, and Gear: Double Enders According to Perry (Guest Post by Bob Perry) You mentioned you talked with Peter Hahn. I was wondering how he made the Danica. I assume he made a mold from a Nordica and altered it slightly. Do you know what he did with the Danica molds?  

Yes, I'm considering a Nordica 16/20, Halman 20, and Skipper 20 - embarrassing, but I like the Guppy 13 too!  

If you go to this wooden boat forum thread and scroll down to the 10th, 11th or 12th posting there's a picture: George Holmes' Eel comes out of the shed at Iron Wharf, Faversham If you send your email I'll send you a few more. That was an interesting article. I think I've read something similar before. For me aesthetics are very important in a sailboat. Older traditional stylings are much more pleasing and double enders have a very lovely roundness to them. I'm just selling a Nordica 20 right now. It's a very cool boat but not as cute as my Danica and it requires a bigger trailer and truck to tow it. Not currently in my budget. I might use some of the money from the sale to get a new mainsail for the Danica (or I'll get a sailrite kit and save a few hundred sewing it myself) I heard tell Peter Hahn used a Nordica 16 as a mold. The Danicas keel is about 8 inches deeper as well as having a deeper forefoot, the combings are higher, as is the cabin and the cockpit is smaller because there's a lazarette. Don't tell my Danica but I kind of think the Nordica 16s are a little cooler looking, a little more sleek and rakish whilst the Danica looks a little like a duck. i also like the old knockabout style boats and almost anything with a gaff rigg. I've thought of putting a bowsprit on the Danica and with a new mast making it a gaff rig...or a tiny yawl with a sailboard mast and a little boomkin. I keep thinking about it and then tink...why make more holes in the boat it does pretty well as is.  

The Eel looks good. How does it sail? About a mold . . . I would think he used a Nordica to make a mold that he then used to layup the glass for the Danica hulls. How did he use a Nordica hull as a mold? Did he pull apart a Nordica and layup the glass inside of the Nordica's pieces? Is a Danica thus a little smaller than a Nordica; smaller by the width of the Nordica's glass and gelcoat? Or am I not understanding something? A bowsprit would look cool, but I would worry about maybe putting the center of effort too far forward and creating lee helm. I have a bowsprit on my boat and that's what it seemed to do, but a few weeks ago I was out in about 25 knots and managed to break off a metal bowsprit support when a gust yanked the jib pretty hard (also put a little rip in the mainsail). I couldn't reach the metal support's screws without tearing apart the inside of the boat and taking out the forward bulkhead, so I just put a stainless eye into the glass behind the sprit and stuck the forestay on it. Hope it works, and cures the leehelm. I've only been out in about 5 knots since and couldn't even tack very well, too slow, had to jibe sometimes.  

I think you're right about the molds . regardless either boat is just under 14' on deck not including the rudder so the 16' thing is a slight exaggeration. On the Nordica 16 site (which includes us Danica owners) There's a set of pictures of a Danica being made. THe Danica has some good weather helm (the Nordicas and Danicas are known for it)and if I did make a sprit it would be a short one. First I wanted a nice wooden sprit, Then I decided I wanted a retractable aluminum one with a furler jib(which would entail some interesting forestay adjusting??!!. Still haven't done it yet though. I have a furler unit from a Chrysler Mutineer I used to have. I used to use it, it's handy and tidy but you do get a fair amount of luff sag to leeward, Mostly I just use a downhaul to bring down the jib on the foredeck. With the Danica (because of the full keel) tacking in light winds it helps to let the jib backwind as you cross the wind to help push the boat around and then uncleat it and pull it over to the new side.  

I couldn't find any pictures of a Danica being made. Maybe I'm on the wrong site? Do you have a link to the picture page? Thanks again.  

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