Description

Josephine of Whitehills is a rare and serious example of the 1963 Camper and Nicholson 36, a true classic from the pioneering days of GRP yacht construction. Built at a time when fiberglass was still new and over engineered rather than optimized, these hulls were laid up heavily and conservatively. The result is a remarkably strong and capable ocean cruiser that has stood the test of time.Designed by Peter and Charles Nicholson and moulded by Halmatic, the Nicholson 36 combined traditional craftsmanship with early fiberglass innovation. Only 25 were built between 1962 and 1968. Josephine is particularly special, having her deck and interior fitted out by A H Moody and Sons to her original owner’s specification. She carries an extensive historical file and has been maintained throughout her life to a high standard.For 35 years she was owned by John Lewis as a staff yacht and maintained to Lloyds Register standards. More recently she was purchased in Oban in 2022 and sailed south to Devon, where a major rig refit and offshore upgrades were completed in preparation for extended passagemaking. Since then she has sailed to Spain, cruised the Mediterranean, and in 2026 completed a transatlantic passage from Cape Verde to the West Indies. She has handled heavy weather confidently, including a significant storm off Morocco, proving herself exactly as these boats were intended to perform.Her rig is a standout feature. In 2023 she received a new Selden twin spreader mast and boom package installed by AllSpars UK, along with completely new oversized standing rigging and inspected chainplates. A Harken MK4 racing furler with twin tracks was also fitted. This represents a substantial investment and gives enormous confidence for offshore work. Sail inventory includes a 2019 Hyde mainsail with two reefs, two 2019 Saturn genoas in excellent condition, a 2019 Saturn storm jib, two staysails, and a classic spinnaker. A 2024 Scanmar Monitor wind vane further reinforces her serious blue water credentials.Steering is tiller, supported by a Raymarine ST4000 autopilot with electric drive arm. Navigation electronics include Garmin GPSMap plotter with AIS targets, Raymarine depth and wind instruments, Standard Horizon Matrix AIS VHF, ICOM handheld with AIS, Furuno Navtex, SSB long range radio, Garmin InReach Mini 2, and an iPad with Navionics at the chart desk.Below decks she offers four berths, 6 foot 4 inches of standing headroom in the saloon, a single Jabsco head, pressurized hot and cold water, and a practical cruising galley. Recent additions include a 12 volt 65 litre fridge freezer, ENO propane cooker and oven, upgraded hot water system, and modern lithium battery support via a Fossibot 2400W battery pack supplemented by solar and a portable generator.Ground tackle is substantial, with a 16kg CQR, Fortress storm anchor, and 80 meters of chain. Safety equipment includes EPIRB, serviced four man liferaft, multiple bilge pumps, and renewed navigation lights.Josephine of Whitehills is not simply a classic, she is a proven ocean sailing yacht with recent blue water miles and major rig investment already completed. For a sailor seeking a genuine offshore capable cruiser with pedigree, history, and modern upgrades where they matter, she represents a rare opportunity. Additional Information Accommodation• (4) Berths in totalSaloon:• Starboard - Large berth with mattress cut to measure and lee cloth• Port - Narrow single berthForepeak:• (2) Single berths either side with wooden lee boards in mahogany• Single Jabsco head• Pressurised water into sink with hot/cold fresh water• Removable mahoganny table in saloonInterior Comforts and Amenities• 12v 65 Litre Vevor fridge/freezer (2025)• ENO propane safety cooker and oven (2026)• (2) Campingaz tanks in vented outdoor locker• Air fryer (2026)• Cafetierre• All the necessary cutlery and cooking equipment• Pressurised hot water system from the engine via 12v Seaflo pump (2025)• Spin air 240v Fan (2026)• First aid kit (2026)• 6ft 4 standing headroom in saloonElectronics and Navigation• Raymarine st4000+ autopilot with electric drive arm to tiller• Garmin GPSMap plotter with AIS targets (2005)• Ipad with Navionics on bracket above chart desk (2024)• Garmin In-reach mini• Raymarine depth, wind, close hauled wind, speed etc• SSB long range radio• Standard Horizon Matrix AIS main VHF (2020)• ICOM M940 Handheld with AIS targets (new 2026)• (2) Old style classic spherical compasses in cockpit• GME EPIRB in working order and registered (2010)• Stereo system needing new speaker• Furuno NAVTEX• Furuno GPSElectrical Systems• 12v systemBatteries:• (2) Lead-acid batteries• Starter: 90Ah (2023)• House: 115Ah (2025)• 12V and 220V 2400W Fossibot lithium battery pack (2025)• USB C•sockets• Digital display• Solar powered by 200W panel• Also powered by Mossa 2200W petrol generator (2024)• 240V Inverter for main batteries (2024)• CTEC Battery charger as shore power entry• 25M Shore power chord• Spare alternator for engineDeck and Hull Equipment• 16KG CQR (2020)• Fortress Guardian Aluminium Storm Anchor G22 on weighted rode (2022)• 80m 8mm chain in good condition (no rust)• (1) Stainless dinghy anchor• Manual Simpson Lawrence Windlass (needs servicing)• Bow anchor roller on pullpit• New beige Dodgers (2026)• Beige spray hood and covers (2022)• Full waterproof cockpit enclosure (2019)• (4) Fenders• Various decklines and spare rode• Serviced Seago 4 man liferaft (2026)• Swim ladder in teak• Deck and masthead nav lights renewed (2025)• Side stanchions and guardrail (guardrails replaced by AllSpars in 2023)• Drinks holder in cockpit• Various cushions etc• Fishing equipment (rod and reel with holder 2026)Sails and Rigging• Selden twin spreader mast and boom installed by AllSpars UK (£15,000, 2023)• Oversized standing rigging installed by AllSpars and chainplates inspected (2023)• Masthead nav lights tricolour (2023)• Harken MK4 racing furler with twin tracks installed by AllSpars (2023)• Mainshee