Nordica/Danica 16 vs Cape Dory Typhoon

A Round 1 Mini-Cruiser Madness Match-up

Here’s a slugfest between two rugged little keelboats. The Alberg-designed Cape Dory Typhoon is famously well-built and much admired. The Scandinavian-inspired Nordicas are less well known but coveted—unicorns of the trailersailing world.

Pictured above is Marty Loken aboard his Danica 16 with its taller cabin. The Danica was a newer design based on the original Nordica 16 pictured below.

After sailing the Nordica 16 we wrote: As you’d expect from the full-keel hull’s shape, the 16 heels a bit initially but stiffens up significantly when pressed. The boat sits down in the water—not on top of it. As a result her motion is more like that of a bigger boat and she is less affected by wakes and sea state.