nordship yachts denmark

New models 2021

We are proud to introduce our new yachts in the custom line range, the  Nordship 500 DS  and the  Nordship 570 DS . The first Nordship 500 DS will be delivered at the beginning of 2022 and the first Nordship 570 DS was launched in the summer of 2021.

The  500 DS  and  570 DS  fulfil the need for larger long-distance, luxury bluewater cruisers in our Nordship family. While all our sailing yachts can cross oceans with ease, the stylish new models in our  Custom Line range  of sailboats can achieve this with a greater sense of comfort and personalisation, in a size we’ve been unable to offer until now. Using cutting-edge technology and construction methods, our semi-custom 50ft+ (15m+) yachts can be sailed shorthanded with ease, have panoramic views from the raised deck saloon and are built with a full custom-designed interior made with Scandinavian craftsmanship. We are the only manufacturer to offer all these benefits in one boat.

These new yachts designs feature wraparound windows to get the very best views from the raised saloon design, while the flush foredeck gives a more useable open area for use while at anchor or in port. You have a choice of keel configurations available to you. Depending on your desired cruising ground, you may wish to choose a deep fin or a shallower and longer keel, or take the option of a lifting keel to reduce your draught even more. As standard both designs feature twin rudders for a lighter feel on the helm and more responsiveness when sailing, but these too can be changed for a single rudder if you prefer.

"We don’t mould you into one of our yachts, we mould one of our new yachts to you."

We could talk about layouts, but there is no need. We don’t mould you into one of our yachts, we mould one of our yachts to you. Suffice to say the new 500 DS is designed for up to eight people and the 570 DS for up to 10. How you arrange your family, friends, crew or charterers is up to you. Whether you sail as a couple or with a crew, we’ll work with you to find the right number of berths in the right number of cabins. Perhaps you’d like single cabins, twin cabins with side-by-side berths, bunk berths (top berth fixed), Pullman berths (the top bunk folds up/down), double, queen- or king-sized berths, we can discuss the arrangement that will work best for you.

Having this much choice is not normal, we agree. This is why we suggest layout options, but they are just that, suggestions. Anything about our boats can be changed; we offer three different galley positions with the practical and safe layouts tailored to you and those you sail with. Whether you prefer a corridor galley leading from the saloon to the full-beam owner's suite, a galley raised to the saloon level allowing whoever is cooking to feel part of the crew and enjoy views out over your surroundings, or the lower forward galley familiar to owners moving up from our smaller yachts, the choice is yours.

We have helped hundreds of owners get the yacht they want, and it’s why they keep returning to us.

• Go back Go back

Thomas Dan Hougaard

Lars Buchwald

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Nordship 420 DS: The boat that offers everything

• Graham Snook
• January 30, 2023

Centre cockpit, deck saloon yachts with full-beam aft cabins seem to offer everything, but is the promise too good to be true? Graham Snook heads to Denmark to find out

The Nordship 420 DS is solid enough to cross oceans, yet nimble enough to enjoy coastal cruising. Credit: Graham Snook

Product Overview

Nordship 420 ds.

• Deck saloon living
• Full beam aft cabin
• Excellent workmanship/build quality
• Helm feels high when standing
• Crew are essentially redundant
• Standing rigging crosses the deck

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

Boats like the Nordship 420 DS are rare.

On paper, centre cockpit, deck saloon yachts, with full-beam aft cabins have everything; a vast full-beam owner’s aft cabin that can be ensuite, a raised saloon with 360º views out, and a well-protected centre cockpit.

On top of that, you get everything else you expect to find on a 40-45ft yacht (second heads, large galley and a vee berth forwards).

So why aren’t there more on the water? OK, they are not cheap.

You can find many aft cockpit deck saloon yachts lacking a full-beam aft cabin, and centre cockpit yachts with full-beam aft cabins but no deck saloon.

The cockpit of the Nordship 420 DS is divided in two; the forward part with high coaming and no lines, and the aft cockpit for helming and line handling. Credit: Graham Snook

By combining all three features in its range of cruisers over 38ft (it does make the 360 DS but the aft cabin is not full beam), Nordship creates an enigma that few others offer.

Hull Number 1 from any builder is often a work in progress, but after four hours poking around the Nordship 420 DS, the only issues I could find were (spoiler alert) a few upper corners in cupboards that hadn’t received the grey flow coat, a few odd placements of lights, and a spring strut in the engine compartment that was desperate to detach itself.

Hull Number 2 was in build and I saw these had been rectified.

Bracing against the binnacle, the coamings are a comfortable place to helm from with all lines to hand. Credit: Graham Snook

Thomas Dan Hougaard, joint owner of Nordship Yachts since merging with Faurby Yachts, explained that every boat depends on what an owner wants, and every boat is a prototype that Nordship must get right.

It’s always a conundrum reviewing yachts where an owner chooses their layout, in a finish and style they want. What you, good reader, or I might find impractical, an owner may find irreplaceable.

You may think the deck and cockpit remain the same, but Nordship will alter the moulds to raise seating or even build female hull moulds without plugs to make full-custom yachts.

If you can afford it, Nordship will make it.

Boarding in the Baltic

So, let’s see how we get on, literally. Getting on a yacht in the Baltic is usually via the bow, and the Nordship 420 DS includes an integrated boarding ladder in the GRP bowsprit .

As well as provide attachments for a code zero or asymmetric sail, it covers the bow roller where the chain passed through the stem, keeping ground tackle below deck level and decks mud-free.

The cavernous cockpit locker on the Norship 420 DS is beautifully finished, although the locker lid is a little small. Credit: Graham Snook

There are large mooring cleats and, without a spare roller on the bow, they’ll be needed when picking up a mooring.

In the anchor locker is a windlass, the shore power connector, and large hooks for warps and fenders. Beneath the locker is a watertight crash box.

Nordship has redesigned the window line across the range. Gone are rounded clear windows in anodised aluminium frames, replaced by double-glazed tinted windows with black-painted mullions appearing to be a single wraparound window.

All lines on the Norship 420 DS are led aft under the coachroof. Credit: Graham Snook

It’s a neat trick that gives the boat a surprisingly modern look, without the increased cost of custom-made curved glazing.

Above the side windows are moulded GRP overhangs, and the inboard edge of these are cut away to create a full-length coachroof handhold.

The chainplates are taken outboard of the teak deck, but the D1s (the lower diagonals of the standing rigging) and the raised coachroof conspire to make negotiating them a little awkward.

Getting to the cockpit, those with long legs can step over the high coaming just aft of the spray hood, but most will go a little bit further along the side decks and step over the genoa winches .

The helm station is well laid out with handy rope bins. A short traveller sits on the bridge deck. Credit: Graham Snook

All lines are led back under deck to the helm and a winch on either side.

Standing at the large single wheel, I felt high and a little vulnerable, but sat on the broad raised coamings, found around the helm, it felt far more secure.

The wheel pedestal offers good bracing for feet. Rails, like a pushpit for the cockpit, are available and if I wanted to cross an ocean, I might be tempted to get them as a backrest which would make the seating more relaxing – like the pushpit seats to the rear.

She felt really good on the helm. It was light, with a pleasant involving feel.

On the Nordship 420 Ds, the halyards emerge at the aft end of the coaming, forward of the helm. Credit: Graham Snook

Having seen the 0.5m (1ft 7in) deep skeg that the rudder stock passes through, the boat was more agile than I was expecting.

She has a sure-footed feel and, even when well-heeled, she showed no signs of losing grip.

The single wheel does make reaching over and around it (for engine/instrument controls) a little tiresome.

Sailing in these unfamiliar waters, with the central chartplotter away from the most comfortable seating, I felt obliged to stand.

Continues below…

Nordship 430DS

This Danish deck saloon oozes quality and solidity from every mahogany grain, but how well does she sail? Chris Beeson…

Video, photos and 360º images of Nordship 430DS new boat test

All the links to the extras from Yachting Monthly's test of the Norship 430DS

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Calm contender

We had a decent south-easterly Force 4-5 breeze, enough to kick up some chop with the wind against the tide flowing into the Little Belt after weaving its way past Middelfart on the island of Funen (Fyn).

She made short work of it without a squeak from the interior or any slamming on the hull and kept a good speed in the process.

The hull was originally that of the Nordship 40 DS. It’s foam-cored to the waterline and solid laminate to the bilge sump.

There is a shallow lazarette locker below the helm seat. Credit: Graham Snook

The keel is GRP; bolts are laminated in the top and bottom, and through the fin, attaching it and its lead ballast to the hull.

This method keeps the full weight of the ballast as low as possible.

Within the hull is a bonded galvanised steel frame that takes the loads from the keel and the mast compression post.

Where the cabinetry and bulkheads touch the hull or deck, they are laminated in place.

The raised saloon gives its occupants views out in all directions, with a forward facing chart table stbd. Credit: Graham Snook

This boat had electric Andersen 46 primary winches. These, and her self-tacking jib makes her a doddle to sail by one person at the helm – there’s also the option of a 105% genoa with tracks added on deck.

Nordship uses a two-cockpit design; the aft cockpit is for the helm, and the forward cockpit is free of lines and is a sheltered space for the crew.

The other reason for this design is that it gives a 1.75m (5ft 9in) walkthrough across the aft cabin beneath.

On the bridge deck, between the cockpits, is the mainsheet traveller that’s at a comfortable knee height rather than on the sole.

Excellent access to wiring with space for plenty of additional systems, thanks to the large panel. Credit: Graham Snook

It stops short on either side – to protect the coaming and the feet of any crew long enough to be lying asleep.

The forward cockpit has a central cockpit table with a removable cup holder (with notches for cup handles) and sits over a substantial bracing bar.

When not required, the table can be removed, leaving just the bar as a handhold and foot brace. The hinged companionway bi-fold door is permanently attached.

There is a cockpit locker to port, while the locker is vast, its opening is a little small. There is a locker beneath the helm seat too.

Bespoke design

When you buy a Nordship, you’ll sit down with Nordship’s other owner, and designer, Lars Buchwald and discuss plans and layout ideas.

You may want a lower galley, a mid-cabin or any combination of layouts that work for you. Nordship will customise its boats extensively.

The owner of this boat wanted at least 6ft 3in of headroom in the main area, so the sole of the galley, heads and saloon were lowered, as was the saloon seating.

The aft cabin has good ventilation and shows of Nordship’s craftsmanship. Fit out is custom, but this bed is 6ft 4in long, and at over 5ft wide, is very comfortable. An ensuite is possible, but not fitted on this boat. Credit: Graham Snook

I’ve long been a fan of the deck saloon concept; one reason we sail is to visit new places, but then sit in low saloons without a view of scenery.

The saloon of the Nordship is the opposite; raised, with excellent views in all directions.

The inboard-facing U-shaped seating is comfortable and the outboard seat is 2.35m (7ft 8in) long. Beneath this seat is a cavernous locker, accessed by lifting the seat base, although access is a bit awkward as the table is fixed.

The downside of a deck saloon is usually a lack of privacy when in harbour. You can feel like an exhibit for promenading people – especially at night.

The galley on the Nordship 420 DS is low in the boat so comfortable when sailing and useable on either tack. Credit: Graham Snook

Nordship uses quite a heavy tint on its windows to reduce this, but it also has its snug area.

A few steps down, en route to the aft cabin, three seats create a cosy space with a removable bar cabinet (to convert the two outboard seats to a 2.0m/6ft 6in sea berth) and space for a television or bookshelves opposite.

Whether you’d use this space to enjoy a whisky and a book or for the kids to have a games area or to watch films, it’s one of my favourite areas.

Opposite the saloon seating is a deep locker and the nav station. The chart table can be opening or, as on this boat, have a small drawer instead.

The snug or evening saloon ahead of the aft cabin is a cosy second social space to relax with an evening drink. Credit: Graham Snook

Beneath the chart table, her owner wanted a freezer; I would have preferred drawers. Forward of the chart table is the lower linear galley.

It offers plenty of workspace and has a front-opening marine fridge beneath the seating. The galley is narrow enough to offer bracing on either tack, but still wide enough for two strangers to pass without feeling uncomfortable.

There is plenty of handy stowage in drawers plus deck-level lockers; supplied with crockery.

There is also stowage beneath the galley’s hinged floorboards and in a deep locker in the saloon.

Quality workmanship

To port, is the heads with a separate shower compartment. There is good stowage in front-opening lockers and outboard of the heads.

Forward of the galley and heads is the forward cabin. It has deck-level lockers, two bookshelves, and a well-ventilated hanging locker with an automatic light.

Guests will be comfortable in the V-berth forward. A third mid-cabin is an option. Credit: Graham Snook

The 2.0m (6ft 6in) berth was a 0.85m (2ft 9in) step up, which if you need over 6ft headroom isn’t an issue, but for me, at 1.78m (5ft 10in), it felt like a climb.

Thomas said he’d add a step if I bought one.

Saving the best to last, the full beam owner’s cabin is wonderful.

Throughout the boat, the quality of workmanship is on show, but in the aft cabin, you feel pleasantly cocooned in mahogany, hidden away from the rest of the boat.

While not a sports boat, the Nordship 420 DS gave a very assured performance and made light work of choppy water and blustery conditions. Credit: Graham Snook

The berth is 1.58m x 1.94m (5ft 2in x 6ft 4in) and, like the forward berth, it sits on a slatted base for good ventilation.

The cabin has lockers on either side, all with inch-thick mahogany frames.

On the port side, a door leads to what could be an en suite heads but on this boat, access to the cockpit locker.

I’d keep this walk-in locker but just add a toilet and sink to save disturbing guests if I needed the loo at night.

The locker also gives access to the tech area and the engine; starboard side is accessed via the snug with an engine box that has a removable side for excellent access.

Verdict on the Nordship 420 DS

I might have changed a few things on this boat, not because there was anything wrong, but because I could, such is the way of custom yachts.

It’s hard to fault a boat that has been tailored to someone else. If I’d found fault in the craftsmanship, I could pick up on that, but I didn’t.

A GRP keel and lead ballast ensure the boat remains stiff even in a blow. Credit: Graham Snook

Whether it’s a fiddle in a seldom-used locker or the grab handles sculpted out of the saloon table, the look and feel of the woodwork was beautiful and irresistibly tactile.

She was enjoyable to sail, hitting the right balance between responsiveness without demanding constant attention.

I did feel quite high up and therefore exposed when standing at the helm, but the 2ft 6in clearance over the aft berth has to come from somewhere. The feeling when seated was much better.

With one foot on the pedestal, I felt ready to sail away and not come back.

Would the Nordship 420 DS suit you and your crew?

The Nordship 420 DS stands out in many ways, but the three main reasons for choosing her would be the huge aft cabin, the social raised deck saloon, and the wonderful craftsmanship with the ability to customise.

OK, that may be four. Yes, there is the snug to keep adults and kids occupied, and lots of stowage too, but if you want a deck saloon with an aft cabin and the ability to make her your own, this is your boat.

A Code Zero or asymmetric set from the bowsprit ensures good performance off the wind. Credit: Graham Snook

She’s solid enough to cross oceans, yet nimble enough to enjoy coastal cruising. Her forward cockpit may leave your crew feeling redundant, but whoever is on the helm has the controls at their fingertips.

In the past, a Nordship could have been seen as old fashioned – like the centre cockpit Moodys and Westerlys of the 1980s.

But take a centre cockpit boat with a spacious aft cabin, add a deck saloon surrounded by tinted wraparound windows, boost her performance with a composite keel, and you get something special.

New Nordship 420 DS : The first ship is ready and sailing

Michael Good

 ·  08.09.2022

Things are running smoothly in the development department at Nordship. Following the completion of the new flagship 570 DS Custom (test in YACHT 23/2021), the shipyard has announced plans for another new 500 DS Custom. At the same time, shipyard bosses Lars Buchwald and Thomas Dan Hougaard have set about revising the 40 DS mid-size model, which has been on the market for over 15 years. The ship is now being launched as the Nordship 420 DS. Construction number one has already been completed and delivered to the new owner. The ship will then be presented as a world premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January 2023.

The first photos of the Nordship 420 DS

The new model is essentially based on the hull of its predecessor, the Nordship 40 DS, but will be equipped with a new deck and a one metre longer rig as well as correspondingly more sail area. The hull structures will be reinforced with a new steel frame to absorb the forces of the rig and keel, and the T-keel will be fitted with a heavier lead bomb. The half-skeg in front of the large rudder is retained. The deckhouse is adapted to the modern new style of the shipyard with continuous panes in a curved line, similar to the new large Nordship models 570 DS and 500 DS. The boat also has a modern, permanently attached bowsprit for gennaker and code zero, which also serves as a step and anchor holder. The aluminium mast stands on deck and is designed for a self-tacking jib. A furling mast is available as an option.

As with all ships from the shipyard, customers can also decide how they would like the interior of the new Nordship 420 DS to be designed. The shipyard, which also owns the Faurby brand, can and will fulfil individual customer wishes as far as feasible. A basic version features the tried-and-tested DS layout, with a raised seating area where you can enjoy all-round visibility through the large superstructure windows even when seated. Navigation is provided at the same level, with the option of an inside steering position, and the galley is built into the side of the passageway to the foredeck.

A spacious wet room with separate shower area is installed in the foredeck of the Nordship 420 DS, with a double cabin in front. The owners sleep aft in the large master cabin on a beautiful, comfortable island bed. A Nordship speciality: a so-called evening saloon is provided between the aft cabin and the saloon. An area with a sofa where you can linger in comfort. This area can also be fitted out as an additional single or double cabin as an option. Nordship uses matt lacquered mahogany wood for the interior fittings as standard. Other types of wood are of course also available as alternatives.

Including 19% VAT and a set of Amwind sails, the Nordship 420 DS costs 622,263 euros ex shipyard in the basic configuration. The price is for the ship already equipped ready to sail according to the YACHT definition.

Technical data Nordship 420 DS

• Hull length: 12.80 m
• Waterline length: 10.80 m
• Width: 4.00 m
• Draught: 1.90 m (standard)/2.10 m (optional)
• Mast height above waterline: 20.20 m
• Weight: 10.5 tonnes
• Engine: Volvo-Penta D2-60 (44 kW/60 hp)
• Fuel capacity: 375 litres
• Fresh water capacity: 2x 188 litres

More Nordship models at YACHT:

• Nordship 38 DS: Deckhouse yachts in comparison
• Test Nordship 430 DS
• Nordship 570 DS

Most read in category Yachts

the Danish shipyard Nordship Yachts confidently holds the leading position in the segment of sailing >yachts with trim-interior.

the Company was founded Lars Buchwald (Buchwald Lars ) in 1978 in the Dutch province of Lunderskov and was originally named for the founder of Buchwald Yachtværft . In the first 10 years of workshops worked on subcontracts famous Danish shipyards, producing yachts for a one-off and short run projects. Several models have been built specifically for round the world races. In 1988, Lars has acquired the rights to the serial production yacht project Nordship , investing in the development of the line experience. Brand Nordship established itself on the market, becoming synonymous with high-quality sailing yachts. The popularity of the new brand led to the change of the name of the shipyard at Nordship Yachts ApS . In 2015 the company also owns the rights to the production of classic motor boats Nordic Cruiser .

company Status

Manufacturing.

Despite a 30-year history, Nordship remains a small shipyard, tightly integrated with the network of Danish yacht industry. At the shipyard employs less than 50 full-time employees. Most operations are performed using traditional methods with the highest quality requirements. In the workshops of the shipyard are made of metal elements, hand-laying fiberglass laminate with balsa sandwich manufacturing, interior and deck cover. Most boats are built according to individual orders, so the production is difficult to call the mass. The shipyard produces several dozen yachts a year. Despite the small volume of production, the shipyard is well known and enjoys a deservedly high reputation. Model Nordship 360DS was nominated for the contest of European yacht of the year 2011.

the Main line of the buildings Nordship is in the range of 36-43 feet. For individual projects the shipyard has built boats up to 46 feet, but they are not included in the main lineup.

the December salon is a performance-based architecture Nordship yachts. Carefully engineered lightweight design add-in using the balsa sandwich creates a special comfort and excellent visibility on long cruises.

All the Nordship yachts are built using galvanized steel frames, which for maximum structural integrity manually lined sturdy housing made of GRP with balsa sandwich elements.

the ergonomics of the cockpit and interior spaces in detail. In all models the controls displayed in the rear part of the cockpit, to be able to work alone without disturbing the guests relaxing in the main part. In the older models the cockpit is even divided into working and guest areas. The interior usually includes spacious cabins, insulated galley and a separate comfort zone.

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Built by true boat builders

Whether you decide on a Faurby Yacht, a Nordic Cruiser or Nordship Yacht, all our yachts are built by true boat builders and the common theme of handcrafted quality runs all the way through our brands.

There are easier, faster and more economical ways to build a boat, we know this, but we wouldn’t be true boat builders if we built boats that way, we couldn’t call ourselves craftsmen, and we couldn’t say we’ll build your boat the best way we know. We take pride in every boat we create because we want you to be proud of your yacht, so you know you made the right decision by letting us build your dream boat.

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Our craftsmanship and enthusiasm to accommodate the wishes of our customers is what makes True Boat Builders special. Visit our gallery to see the many ways in which the high-quality bespoke work of our Danish craftsmen has helped our owners to sail away in their dream yacht.

True Boat Builders was formed by combining two companies (and three brands) with a shared ethos of hand-building high-quality custom-built yachts. Nordship Yachts, Nordic Cruiser and Faurby Yacht are all built in their own unique way by Danish craftsmen, for discerning owners.

True Boat Builders is the parent company for three unique Danish brands that are renowned worldwide for their uncompromising quality and attention to detail. All three brands are built by carefully selected master craftsmen at our factory in Lunderskov, Denmark. From the layup of the hull to the fitting of the deck, the process of hand-building yachts is carried out completely in house for maximum quality control and optimum customer service. We pride ourselves on our ability to truly adapt and customise your yacht for you, whether that’s in the style of the joinery, the layout of the boat or achieving what other boatbuilders cannot.

We are here to make your dream yacht a reality.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you whether you are looking for the right yacht, winter storage of your yacht or maintenance and repair by our specialized craftsmen

Thomas Dan Hougaard

Lars Buchwald

• Second hand boats

Buchwald Yacht APS builds Nordship deck saloon yachts in Denmark. These boats have a raised deck saloon offering an exceptional quality of life.

The Kolding-based shipyard builds high-quality custom yachts in small series. Lars Buchwald, the founder and a trained carpenter, is one of Denmark’s most experienced builders.

Thanks to his experience and dedication, he has been able to create superb units in the pure Danish tradition. The refinement is expressed in first-rate joinery, combining teak and mahogany, enhanced by numerous light sources, touches of copper, polished stainless steel and beautiful fabrics.

News for 2024 :

The site features a new layout with the kitchen in the saloon, offering a more convivial living space. A new type of wood, light oak, is also available.

Discover the Nordship Yacht range

Nordship 380 DS

• Longueur 11.60
• Largeur 3.75

Nordship 360 DS

• Longueur 11.00
• Largeur 3.60

Nordship 420 DS

• Longueur 12.90
• Largeur 3.95

Nordship 450 DS

• Longueur 13.25
• Largeur 4.10

Nordship 500 DS Custom Line

• Longueur 11,90
• Largeur 5,0

Nordship 570 DS Custom Line

• Largeur 5,10

Nordship, deck saloon yachts

Discover the range.

This post is also available in: Français ( French )

Time traveler: Nordship 420 DS

• February 22nd, 2023
• Sailing Yacht

Welcome to the fourth boat walkthrough from this year´s edition of Boot boat show Duesseldorf and, again, I find it is a special boat. Nordship is a Danish brand making boats appealing to a special breed of seamen. I would call it a niche brand, nevertheless, it´s not a small name for sure. The friendly guys from Lunderskov, a small commune near famous Danish boatmaking location Kolding, had World Premiere show in Duesseldorf this year: The all new Nordship 420 DS.

“DS”, of course, stands for deck saloon and these boats enjoy a steadily growing fanbase as they offer maximum comforts, stowage and long haul sailing trip capabilities. You may have read my recent walkthrough in the Oyster 595 or about the entry level Oyster 495. Well, these boats are absolute dream yachts for sure, but for many (well, most I´d say) of us unattainable. Due to the budget needed, of course, but also maybe because of the sheer size. This is where Nordship may come handy: The fleet currently under offer ranges from a the 18 meter flagship Nordship 570 DS to the smallest, the Nordship 360 DS. And this is where it becomes interesting.

A thorough deck saloon yacht

„Small“ deck saloon boats in the bread-and-butter-size around 40 feet are a rare commodity. There is Sirius, of course, a very small German high-priced boat brand, Moody, which, after having taken over by the Hanse Group kind of lost it´s appeal (to me) and some other smaller brands, of which the French brand Wauquiez is a definitive highlight, I´d say. Wauquiez chose a more luxurious approach whereas Nordship – as the name suggests – follows the path of Scandinavian boatbuilding tradition.

Let´s start inside. Welcome to the deck saloon: Here you can best see what the Nordship is all about. It´s a GRP boat but you won´t rarely see any bare plastic in the whole boat (except for the heads). Everything is covered with finest Mahogany (and yes, on the deck outside is still real Teak! ) no matter where your eyes are taking your sight. This interior is a fine example for the approach taken by the yard.

The saloon is raised and the crew will have a great 360 degrees view standing and sitting at the dinner table. Underneath the raised deck the yacht offers stowage and auxiliary gear. What I liked most is the “no frills”-approach of this boat, as I would call it: The yard makes no compromise. The boat does not even try to “safe money” or circumvent “inconveniences” which may be a blow to the budget. Similar to Wauquiez or Oyster, the idea is that if an owner decides (and can afford) to “live” on a boat, there shouldn´t be any compromises.

Now tell me, looking at these pictures: Isn´t this a gorgeous boat? I mean, it´s classy through and through, but also very “ship-like”. The whole aura of this yacht is dripping with maritime style. Looking at this interior, I can instantly envision myself sailing for weeks and months in here, something an ordinary “med-style” vocational yacht cannot convey as strong as this yacht. So, let´s take a more detailed look.

A boat made for long haul sailing. And living aboard.

To starboard side the navigator has his area. It´s a full sized chart table and main switch panel. You are seated on a rigid but very comfortable stool that can be adjusted to fit your individual body measurements. Some may argue that classic chart tables and nav-stations are a thing of the past – and I would agree to a certain point – but on the very long trips I´d rather choose to have one of these at hand.

The Nordship 420 DS is a boat that wants to be sailed for a long time. It conveys a cozy, safe and sturdy character and does this with a certainty and implicitness that is absolutely convincing. No matter where my eyes take a look at, no atter which details I examine with the greatest scrutiny, this boat transports a matter of course rarely seen in yachts nowadays. Surely, this comes with a price tag.

Danish quality for the high seas

And this price tag is of course not a small one, considering the level of craftsmanship that goes into making a boat like this: Sail ready at the jetty in Denmark you should have a budget of at least 600.000 Euros ex VAT at your disposal. This can vary depending on the amount of equipment and quality of surplus “luxury” you want to have with you.

The Nordship 420 DS measures 12.80 meters total length with a waterline length of 10.80. The maximum width is 4 meters. Compared to a production brand cruiser, let´s say the Bavaria C42, she is one meter shorter and slightly heavier. With regards to sails area, the Nordship carries 84 square meters of upwind sails area, slightly less than the (somewhat bigger) Bavaria. Nevertheless, looking at the hull form, the Nordship has more seaworthy hull which will be able to go upwind much effortlessly than the very voluptuous Bavaria.

The hull shape features a fine slim entry in the bow section and a much more pronounced V-shape and round chine all the way back aft. There are no chines whatsoever, prompting towards a balanced character and much more seaworthy sailing capabilities for the Danish boat: Which is a matter of course. The Bavaria (and most of the other big production boat brands) make yachts for charter and vocational coastal cruising, the Nordship is made for long trips in all kinds of conditions.

This is also apparent standing in the cockpit. I would call the Nordship a mix between center cockpit and classic aft cockpit boat. Steering “area” behind the large single wheel (another echo from the good old times) and guest area around large coamings in the cockpit are separated by a bench – which of course is there to create headroom in the owner´s cabin underneath. This “middle bench” also features a mainsheet traveler , also a rarely seen feature on modern day cruisers.

Modern styling

Nevertheless, the new generation of Nordships have undergone a significant upscaling in terms of modern lines and design. If I compare the brand new 420 DS to the 380 DS, about which I wrote a walkthrough article some 4 years ago, the differences are staggering.

I would go as far as to say that the Nordship designers found at least some inspiration in the designs of other big blue water names like Oyster or Discovery yachts. Looking at the deckhouse, you can see almost flush lines, the “cat-like” windows and fluent, kind of “liquid” modern approach. This makes the whole boat appear much more modern and appealing, I´d say that Nordship instantly became much more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers.

The cockpit itself seems to be safe and protected from overcoming seas and spray. The coamings are unusually high, which is something you don´t want to have on an open, wide “dancefloor”-like Mediterranean yacht´s cockpit, but something that is very convenient in the boiling cold seas of the Bay of Biscay or an unnerving autumn storm in the North Sea.

Apart from this, the cockpit is no frills and pretty simple: Two benches around a (very nicely done) cockpit table, probably tuned up by nice cockpit cushions and a sprayhood which wasn´t fitted on the boat show boat seen in Duesseldorf. Going down the entrance, you instantly notice a slightly offset entryway down to the starboard side. Again, creating headroom and volume for the owner´s bathroom.

Before going down I walk around the deckhouse, which is impressive: Much more “fluent” and coherent matching the lines of the hull, it is apparent that the larger the boat becomes the better such a deckhouse looks. This is, sadly, a downside design-wise especially of deck saloon-boats (and center cockpit yachts, by the way), that they look a bit “weirder” the smaller the get. Anyways, a buyer of this boat invests in volume and natural light “below”, not in design. So, let´s take a thorough look down below now …

Residing under deck

As we have already checked out the saloon itself, I pass along the starboard walkway, two more steps down, to enter the fore cabin. I am instantly surrounded by a breathtaking scent of noble Mahogany and glossy paint, this boat, albeit being brand new, does not smell at least a bit like GRP.

The joinery is exemplary. You remember my own refit-undertakings aboard my GRP-classic King´s Cruiser 33 ? In the face of such high quality craftsmanship it seems certainly futile to try to make something like this on my own. “Amateurish” would be a much too nice of an expression for what I did. Honestly, Nordship´s interior building quality is among the best I´ve ever seen when it comes to wood.

I simply love the owner´s cabin aft as well: A King-sized bed, some less headroom than expected but still a lovely atmosphere. Especially the aft-facing portholes are – again – a nod to a past time and convey a kind of classic pirate ship-like layouts of the past. The cabin on the other hand does not feature hull windows , as the whole hull of the boat does not have. Apparently, these are optional – something I surely would go for.

Checking out the head, the owners can enjoy a full-sized separated shower cabin (thanks to the offset entrance) and a nicely fitted toilet. Marvel stone tops and high-quality electric toilets are a matter of course. The bathrooms aren´t that big either, I´d say its also a safety feature having a bulkhead or something to grab a safe hold onto is always nearby.

VIP-guests or family members occupying the fore cabin can also enjoy a nicely set up and fitted bathroom with all amenities needed. Although a bit smaller, the shower can be closed off completely from the rest of the room as well. A sailing couple with occasional guests or a small family of four will find the living quality aboard most appealing, I would say, if they are attracted by the classy looks of the boat.

A specialty of Nordship yachts is the “Captain´s Lounge”, as I call it, because I do not have a specific name for this: I mean the walkway aft connecting the owner´s cabin in the stern with the saloon. Other than in classic deck saloon yachts, like for example Oyster, the Nordship does not have the galley to port side in the aft but place to starboard side more to the bow. This “frees” the walkway aft to be used for something else.

In this, the yard decided to feature “Captain´s Chairs” facing the longitudinal bulkhead and the engine housing. At first glance this space appears to be a bit weird as one could hardly imagine a situation where you don´t want to take a seat “upstairs” in the nice, light-suffused saloon but rather “down” in the “basement”. But, maybe, if you fit a flatscreen to the facing wall this is a nice place to watch a movie or just enjoy a quiet drink. I personally prefer the Oyster-variant, but I am sure there are some who fancy this “lounge”-approach.

A role model galley

A true role model on the other hand is the galley on the Nordship 420 DS. As I mentioned at the start of this article, this galley is right on to of the pivotal point of the boat and thus sitting deep down in the hull. This certainly means a minimum of seamotion and loads of surplus comforts for the ship´s cook when underway, especially in rougher seas.

The galley has a standard 2-flame burner oven/stove combination, loads and loads of cupboards and stowage for cutlery, crockery and provisions. The yard provides some options regarding fridges, like ordinary fridges and freezers. In this, of course, a generator and inverters can be ordered as surplus auxiliary equipment.

Again, the absence of any hull windows may be something that some are missing. This is most apparent in the galley that is deep down in hull and maybe a bit too “dark” for some. Others, maybe, find this feature most attractive as the galley aboard the Nordship is kind of “hidden” from the sights in the saloon: Me personally, I never like to always have the used dishes in the sink in sight, that is why I don´t like longitudinal galleys on traditional cruising yachts and would prefer galleys “out of sight”.

Deciding details

Apart from those things, the Nordship 420 DS – like all other boats I have seen to date by this yard – are made with passion and true love by the yard. This can best be seen when walking alongside the hull: Unlike – shockingly so many! – other boat manufacturers where apparently speed is the driving factor and hulls are taken out of the moulds too early, the hull of the Nordship does not have any dents or bumps. You cannot see where Bulkheads are laminated to the hull (from outside) and it looks like one solid smooth surface. Because it is one. Another prime example is the Teak.

One might say that such a focus on even smallest details is a waste of time, effort and at last of the buyer´s money, but the decking alone is worth an own article here. The level of crafting out even the smallest detail is amazing. By the way, the Nordship-yard, asked if they still have enough Teak amidst the Myanmar-embargo, told me, that they have some big logs left worth many, many boats to come.

I just enjoy contemplating those boats because you don´t see this anymore with big brand production cruisers: All use the same suppliers for equipment and fittings, all look almost the same and there are hardly any surprises. Well, of course this has a reason: In this, an overall affordable price level can be guaranteed. On the other hand, seeing a boat being thought through so thoroughly – just look at this clamp! – is pure eye candy.

Fast or luxurious? Both!

Apart from the nice boat, which is a sister brand of Faurby , made by the same yard, I loved the atmosphere on the stand. I know one of the bosses, Thomas Dan Hougaard, pretty well now from many occasions and walkthroughs over the years now and I always feel welcome in such a heartly way that I instantly feel at home. Somehow. Maybe this attitude is something that is transferred by those boats? Anyways, if a Nordship is too classy or too much long haul-optimized for you, they do have another brand: Faurby.

But this is something for a next article: I surely have a yard visit in Kolding on my list for this spring. I am keen on seeing how these boats are made, especially meeting the joiners who do such a fantastic job. Maybe, just maybe, a boat will be ready to sail in the water and Thomas is up for a little sea trial in the Kolding fjord. We will see.

You might also like these related articles:

The luxury pocket cruiser: Nordship 380 DS

Faurby 396E – Role model classic Scandinavian cruiser

A day at Luffe Yachts

Nordship 430 DS Fully equipped, Danish blue water cruiser

Used yachts for sale, sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,        nordship boats for sale, nordship 430 ds boats for sale.

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