John Nicholson began to pen a “batch design” little cruiser-racer in 1938 after giving the concept and idea some thought for some period of time.
Camper and Nicholson had reached the height of their prowess, with the 1937 Cowes Regatta now being named Charlie Nicholson’s Regatta. The company, having completed the build and design of the world’s fastest racer, several Americas Cups entrants as well as some of the finest and largest motor cruisers. and were held in the highest regard. However, John had reached the conclusion that some form of standardisation was necessary for the company to financially compete in the future.
There was a belief that for yachting to continue to grow it must capture not just the upper echelons of high society but rather, become attainable to the more common man.
Charles gave John the go-ahead with the Xyris class and 6 boats were programmed to be laid -up and sold.
A strong marketing campaign was begun in the yachting press, and the Xyris class was featured in the Yachting Monthly, Yachting World, and a few other publications. With several photographers attending the yard and shots of the hulls in various stages as well as mock-ups of the interior being published.
The concept was to produce a complete package at a competitive price, and the Xyris class was priced from £850 – £875 including everything, from the swim ladder down to the cutlery service.
The average house price at the time in 1939 Gosport was £525 , the annual salary was £160 , a new car was just over £300 and the weekly shop cost 33 pence. C&N’s consideration of what constitutes affordable has and remains to this day, delightfully deluded.
The Xyris class were well-considered though and were picked up by Authors, Industry leaders, and keen sailors as “cheap” high-quality racer-cruisers that were sailed, as the new fashion dictated, without a crew.
Famously Cinder ( the first of the 6 Sisters ) was kept by the Nicholson family with the legendary Charles Nicholson sailing her with his daughter for many years, Gadwall was picked up by W.L Stephenson and all the other Xyris class enjoyed ownership of the highest standard.
The Xyris class yachts were “put on ice” through the war years and only commissioned in 1946 after the end of reparations.
1946 also saw the launch of bikinis in shops and tupperware in kitchens.
Although the concept of a batch designed yacht would completely alter the future of Camper & Nicholson, the traditions of timber hulls would slowly leave the company and the Xyris class remain one of the handfuls of the family’s best designs laid up at the peak of the company’s prowess.
To date (2021) there are 3 of the original 6 still known to sail regularly and these 3 still compete and win in various classes including the 6m rule and classic regattas. 1 Sister ( Fidget ) sank in 1985.