Hawaii-based photographer Tor Johnson, who has written for Yachting World on the challenges of cruising in British Columbia, has shot many different yachts, but he has a soft spot for the Finot-Conq design Nica.

“I have to say that Nica is one of the coolest cruising boats I’ve ever seen.

“I suggest her because she is an innovative and extreme boat, which is why I shot many photos of her, and why I plan to make an ocean crossing on her.”

Nica is an FC3 53, designed by the French Finot-Conq office, internationally famous for its heritage of Open 60 and IMOCA 60 designs.

This is a carbon composite, water-ballasted, swing keel offshore fast cruising yacht designed for world cruising.

She crossed Atlantic with the ARC in 2018 then she crossed the Pacific to New Zealand with the World ARC, on occasions logging 270-mile days sailed two-handed by owner Gorm Gondersen and his wife, Maren.

“I first saw the boat in [Yachting World] magazine, then I met the owners in Tahiti,” says Johnson.

“Now I plan to sail with them on their next leg from New Zealand to Tonga.”

Make sure you check out our full list of Coolest Yachts.

Nica stats rating:

Top speed: 17 knots
LOA: 17.58m
Launched: 2018
Berths: 5
Price: €2.0m
Adrenalin factor: 70%

Tor Johnson

Tor Johnson and his wife, Kyoko, run a photography business out of their beach house in Waialua, Hawaii.

Tor, a lifelong surfer who grew up sailing the oceans with his family, and Kyoko own and voyage in their Jeanneau 44i, Keala.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.