In order to reduce the wetted surface yet retain stability, Istria's hull shape consisted of a long forward overhang and a wide beam at the waterline.
Yachting Monthly described her as "Short on the waterline, with large displacement, a fine tail and a useful snout, she would not have been a pretty vessel had she not proved clever.
[2] Nicholson devised a topmast that slotted atop the mainmast, and fitted with a track to fasten the topsail luff.
This design eliminated the need for a topsail yard, thus permitting a lighter and loftier rig as well as easier hoisting and dowsing.
In order to reduce the windage, Nicholson created an open dinghy with a gunwale overhang which could be recessed into an aperture of the deck of the yacht, the open dinghy cockpit thus serving as the yacht's cockpit.