Go Long And Fast with the Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot

A 20-knot Nordhavn? That’s what this builder — long known for full-displacement passagemakers — says could be the top speed for its 59 Coastal ­Pilot. This top trawler has Twin 715 hp Cummins diesel inboards and a new semi-displacement hull form which is said to be key to the performance equation.

But the builder isn’t sacrificing its reputation for constructing long-range, bluewater vessels either. In the case of the 59CP, owners can pull back the single-lever throttles to maximize the yacht’s 1,100-gallon fuel tank. ­Nordhavn says the 59CP has a 777-nautical-mile range at a 9.3-knot cruise, and a 255 nm range at her 20.3-knot top-end.

When it comes to ruggedness, the builder says the foundation is a solid fiberglass hull bottom supported by full-length longitudinal stringers and a series of transversal supports to add backbone. Nordhavn says the 59CP has a “CE category A unlimited ­offshore rating, ensuring the vessel has the seakeeping and strength capabilities to take on most serious coastal cruises up to 1,000 miles.”

Durability is also key when operating in the harsh saltwater environment, so all of the 59CP’s hardware is corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

To keep the helmsman and crew within earshot during wheel watches on long passages, this yacht’s main deck is unobstructed from the salon door to the helm forward. L-shaped seating is across from the starboard-side helm station, and a U-shaped dinette is abaft it. The skipper will never be at a loss for company.

The lower helm should offer clean sightlines, as the windows wrap around the side, aiding the captain’s peripheral view. A pantograph door abaft the helm seat provides quick side-deck access if an owner is running short-handed and needs to handle lines.

Her flybridge helm station would be my preferred perch during fair-weather runs. The area also seats 12 with a dining table for entertaining.

For overnight accommodations, the 59CP is offered with two or three staterooms. In either scenario, the master is amidships with an athwartships berth. There is also a forepeak VIP with step-up berth. Both staterooms have en suite heads. The third stateroom, with twin bunks, can be added to port between the master and VIP.

Whether you plan on taking summer-long cruises, are looking for a full-time liveaboard yacht or want to cross blue water, Nordhavn’s 59 Coastal Pilot seems to check off all the boxes.