Rockport Marine can build your Aage Nielsen designed yacht

Rockport Marine is known for its top quality boat building, and has in its collection of storage boats what is probably the largest group of Nielsen designed yachts in any one boat yard. Northern Crown, Passage, Solution, Sayonara, Star Song, Snow Star, and Primrose are all cared for at the yard. Our longstanding affection for these yachts makes us particularly pleased by the possibility of creating a few more.

It is now possible for clients to commission yachts closely adhering to the original designs but with the option of updated construction, rigging, systems, and interior arrangements in line with modern practice. Since Nielsen’s death in 1984 his plans have been unavailable for construction because of the designer’s conviction in his later years that it would no longer be possible to obtain the kind of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing construction that he had carefully specified for his designs during his career. The revival in wooden boat building that has occurred in recent years, and the continuing track record of Rockport Marine and Walsted’s has convinced the Nielsen heirs that in fact such quality is available today, and they have decided to grant these two yards exclusive access to the plans.

Nielsen is best known for his CCA-era cruiser/racer designs, which many experts consider to be among the best of that type, much in line with the highest aspirations of those who formulated the CCA rule. A study in moderation and grace, Nielsen’s CCA designs are ideal cruising boats, known for speed, ease of handling, roominess both on deck and below, and timeless good looks. The option of building new boats to these designs gives clients another alternative to rebuilding older boats in order to obtain one of these widely-admired yachts.

Also in the Nielsen portfolio are a host of comfortable and practical smaller yachts and daysailers that are out of the ordinary in the sophistication of their design. Seldom available on the used market, these boats are often treasured family heirlooms. Again, the option of building new makes it more possible to acquire one of these boats—previously a rare opportunity.

Nielsen was also known for his double-enders, which combined Danish design influences with the advantages of more modern hull forms and rigs. The result is a group of designs combining a uniquely appealing, tradition-based style with great seagoing ability, speed, room, and comfort.

There are also a number of desirable powerboat designs.

Those who are interested in the Nielsen designs may want to read Worthy of the Sea, an account of the designer’s career showing many of his designs, by Maynard Bray and Tom Jackson, and should feel free to stop by Rockport Marine at any time, to see any of the boats that are in the yard.