Camper and Nicholsons
From Graces Guide
Camper and Nicholsons were most well known for building yachts. However, they also made coasters on occassion. The yard was based in Gosport and Northam in Dorset, England. The company was started in 1855 when its name was registered as a limited company. However, William Camper and Benjamin Nicholson both had long backgrounds in the shipbuilding profession. In 1895 the Camper interests were bought out by the three Nicholson brothers: benjamin, Charles and Arthur.
Shipbuilding
- 1900s - In 1912 the company took over the Northam yard of John Goodman Fay and Co. Ltd. and, after some refurishment became the head office and the yard where the larger yachts and coasters were built.
- World War I - The yard made patrol boats, minesweepers, coasters, and other smaller naval craft for the Admniralty
- 1930s - In the 30s the company established its reputation for high performance sailing yachts. The yard also made the ocassional coaster and coastal tanker.
- World war II - The yard made patrol boats, motor torpedo boats, motor gunboats, minesweepers and landing craft.
- 1950s - In the post war period, the yard returned to making motor and sailing yachts.
- 1970s - The Southampton yard closed in 1979.
- 1980s - The company changed its name to Camper and Nicholsons (Yachts) Ltd. of Gosport.
- Today - Camper & Nicholsons was acquired by Nautor Swan International in 2001. Re-launching Camper & Nicholsons Yachting Ltd into the motor boat market was a key element of the new management’s strategy and work continues on this project today.
Sources of Information
- British Shipbuilding Yards. 3 vols by Norman L. Middlemiss
- http://www.marinesource.com/builders/Camper_&_Nicholsons/index.cfm - viewed on 06/06/07