1979 Nielsen 44 Cutter Rigged

The Nielsen 44 is a 45-foot cutter-rigged sailing yacht built in 1979 with a cold-molded fiberglass hull and full keel. Designed by L. F. Herreshoff and constructed by O. Lie-Nielsen in Rockland, Maine, the boat combines traditional naval architecture with modern performance systems. A 42 hp Beta Marine diesel engine powers the yacht, paired with a direct-drive bronze three-blade Max propeller and Maxwell electric windlass for anchoring.

The deck and rig reflect substantial recent investment. Standing and running rigging was renewed in 2017. The sails include a fully battened main, genoa, staysail, and asymmetrical, all from Evolution Sails (2019). The carbon fiber mast and boom are fitted with eight winches—four electric—including electric Selden Furlex systems on the genoa (300E) and staysail (200E), and a Profurl furler on the main boom with manual backup. Navigation and power systems include B&G marine electronics, a 4 kW Fisher Panda diesel generator, and a 12,000 BTU air conditioning unit.

Below deck, the layout centers on a main salon with straight settees to port and starboard, flanked by a forward V-berth with hanging locker and storage compartments. A head sits between the V-berth and salon. Aft to port is the galley with a Force 10 propane stove and oven, while to starboard sits the navigation station. The cockpit is notably spacious, fitted with teak coaming boards and tiller steering. A cabin heater provides additional comfort.

The hull and topsides were painted with Awlgrip. The auxiliary engine and fuel tank were replaced in 2016. The yacht is currently moored at Dutch Wharf Boat Yard in Branford, Connecticut.