The Nordica 20 Sailboat

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.

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

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.