Description

The 1971 Nicholson 35 is a superbly crafted, classic British cruising yacht that exemplifies rugged construction, exceptional offshore capabilities, and comfortable living accommodations. This vessel harmoniously combines traditional design with performance that is well-suited for both coastal cruising and ocean passages. As a result, the Nicholson 35 continues to be a highly regarded choice among sailors who value the elegance and reliability of classic yachts.

Named "Montaraz," this well-presented example showcases a variety of impressive upgrades and features that enhance both its performance and comfort. Below are some of the key attributes of this yacht:

- Engine: Beta Marine 35SD, professionally fitted in 2016 with only 800 hours recorded.

- Sail Drive: Technodrive Sail Drive replaced in 2021, paired with a Brunton HN5 Autoprop installed in 2017.

- Batteries: Equipped with a combination of three 12v 200ah house batteries and a 70ah cranking battery.

- Fuel System: Recently refurbished 170-litre fuel tank, cleaned with an upgraded primary filter system by Caley Marine, and includes three spare filters.

- Heads: 1 Blakes Lavac modified to electric flush 2021. Can be switched to manual pump with adjacent Henderson Mk4 pump

- Fridge: Large fridge locker in Galley- compressor renewed with FRIGOBOAT model 2019

- Sails: White cruising sails by Richardson (2007), regularly maintained and in fair condition, along with a storm jib, trysail (with separate mast track), spinnaker (used once), and cruising chute (seldom used).

- Cooker: Force 10 gas stove two gas bottles in cockpit locker vented to the side and Aide leak tester. Certificated 2014

- Navigation Equipment: Raymarine i70/ i70s speed depth wind in cockpit with master multifunction display at nav table- new 2024-5. Open CPN PC based nav system with keyboard and mouse linked to other electronics -new 2024-5 Furuno radar. Furuno vhf with DSC. Standard Horizon GPS installed but now largely redundant. New GPR receivers for i70 and AIS as part of comprehensive electronic nav update. 2024-2025 Raymarine with older main computer but new cockpit controller 2025. New Raymarine AIS system integrated with nav 2025.

- Anchoring Equipment: Delta bow anchor with 50m chain, spare Fortress kedge anchor with 20m chain and 30m rope (new/unused).

- Windlass: Horizon electric windlass with deck foot controls and circuit breaker in the cabin.

- Canopy: New spray hood from CJ Marine (2014) and a full standing room cockpit cover from CJ Marine (2014) in excellent condition, both in jade green.

- Navigation Lights: All replaced with new LED units under current ownership, including masthead tri/anchor light and steaming/deck lights.

- Bilge System: Henderson Mk4 pump at the helmsman’s position with an automatic electric bilge pump fitted in 2020. The toilet pump can be switched to a manual bilge pump.

- Tender: Lodestar NSA 2.3

- Outboard: 2011Honda 2.3 air-cooled 2025 service.

- Survey: Completed for insurance purposes on 25/03/21.

"Montaraz" has always been lifted out for six months during winter maintenance, and it is currently docked at Inverness Marina, where it has received a thorough pressure wash and is ready for antifouling. This early example of the Nicholson 35 features a pilot seat in the companionway and a large wet locker instead of a pilot berth, providing additional cockpit locker space compared to later models. This configuration is ideal for long-distance cruising.

Meticulously maintained by previous owners, with extensive refits carried out in 2003, 2007, and 2008 at the Elephant Boatyard, "Montaraz" boasts a new rig that includes a slightly taller mast for improved sailing performance, as well as a rudder extension to reduce weather helm. This design results in a yacht that is a joy to sail, handling effortlessly in various weather conditions.

The owner's dedication to cruising was highlighted when he and his wife participated in the Azores and Back race in 2008. Due to their extensive time at sea, they incorporated bespoke compartments and cages for storing fresh goods—an exclusive feature of "Montaraz."

The fully battened main sail is powerful yet easily controlled, equipped with three slab reefs at the foot of the mast. Coupled with a later-added stack pack, dropping the sail is a breeze. The yacht also features a new Harken roller reefing system led to the cockpit, facilitating easy reduction of headsail area. The foam luff enhances performance when reefed. The sails have been professionally valeted regularly by Owen Sails and are suitable for several more seasons of cruising.

Under current ownership since 2013, we have continued to enhance and maintain "Montaraz." In 2016, we re-engineered the yacht, converting to a Beta Saildrive combination that offers ample power while significantly improving manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Matched with a Bruntons Autoprop, "Montaraz" sails remarkably well, even in stronger winds and seas. A new sail drive unit was installed in 2021, further elevating its performance.

In the last two years, The current owners have also undertaken a thorough replacement of the onboard electronic navigation systems, upgrading much of the instrumentation with new Raymarine equipment, which has vastly improved the electronic navigation experience.

They are unable to get the best use out of this great cruising boat due to our other commitments and would like to pass her on to a new owner who can enjoy using this fabulous cruising yacht for new adventures.

 

Specifications