Cruising sailing yacht Enksail NK 52

ocean cruisingexpeditionwith center cockpit

Overview
The Enksail Noordkaper is a semi-custom steel sailing yacht designed by Martin Bekebrede and built by Gebroeders van Enkhuizen (Enksail). Produced since 1999 in lengths from about 43 to 52 feet, the Noordkaper is intended for long-distance cruising and extended liveaboard use. Its steel hull, substantial tankage and centerboard keel options provide versatility for varied cruising grounds, from shallow anchorages to offshore passages.

Semi-custom construction and interior
Each Noordkaper is built on a semi-custom basis: owners choose equipment levels, interior layout and finishes to match crew numbers and intended voyages. Interiors can be configured for extended liveaboard comfort or optimized for passagemaking, while retaining the model's structural and engineering standards.

Recognition and media
The Noordkaper has been featured in the yachting press as a capable explorer/touring yacht. Owner accounts and model histories appear in publications documenting the model's two-decade production and the builder's process.

Model variants and highlights

• NK 43: CE design class A. Hull length 13.0 m; L.O.A. 14.0 m; Beam 4.35 m; Displacement 19 tons; Depth 1.9 m; Centerboard keel 1.4–2.6 m; Sailing area 115 m². Capacities: Fuel 1100 L, Water 550 L, Waste 160 L. Propulsion: Yanmar 4JH, 110 HP.
• NK 46: CE design class A. Hull length 13.85 m; L.O.A. 14.85 m; Beam 4.5 m; Displacement 24 tons; Depth 1.9 m; Centerboard keel 1.5–2.7 m; Sailing area 136 m². Capacities: Fuel 1300 L, Water 700 L, Waste 180 L. Propulsion: Yanmar 4JH, 150 HP.
• NK 52: CE design class A. Hull length 15.75 m; L.O.A. 16.75 m; Beam 4.8 m; Displacement 27 tons; Depth 2.0 m; Centerboard keel 1.6–2.9 m; Sailing area 153 m². Capacities: Fuel 1500 L, Water 800 L, Waste 200 L. Propulsion: Yanmar 4LV, 170 HP.

Uses and strengths
The Noordkaper is positioned as a touring/explorer yacht suitable for ocean passages, long-range cruising and comfortable liveaboard periods. Its steel construction and large tanks support long autonomy, while the centerboard keel variants allow access to shallower anchorages without sacrificing offshore capability.

Technical specifications

• Model family: Enksail Noordkaper (NK series) — semi-custom steel sailing yachts approximately 43–52 ft.
• Designer: Martin Bekebrede.
• Construction: Steel hull with centerboard keel options.
• CE design class: A (NK 43, NK 46, NK 52).
• NK 43 — Hull length: 13.0 m; L.O.A.: 14.0 m; Beam: 4.35 m; Displacement: 19 tons; Draft: 1.4–2.6 m (centerboard); Sailing area: 115 m²; Fuel: 1100 L; Water: 550 L; Waste: 160 L; Engine: Yanmar 4JH, 110 HP.
• NK 46 — Hull length: 13.85 m; L.O.A.: 14.85 m; Beam: 4.5 m; Displacement: 24 tons; Draft: 1.5–2.7 m (centerboard); Sailing area: 136 m²; Fuel: 1300 L; Water: 700 L; Waste: 180 L; Engine: Yanmar 4JH, 150 HP.
• NK 52 — Hull length: 15.75 m; L.O.A.: 16.75 m; Beam: 4.8 m; Displacement: 27 tons; Draft: 1.6–2.9 m (centerboard); Sailing area: 153 m²; Fuel: 1500 L; Water: 800 L; Waste: 200 L; Engine: Yanmar 4LV, 170 HP.