NISBOATS - NORWALK ISLANDS SHARPIES ( NIS ) FORUM

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The Norwalk Islands Sharpies range of 5.5m (18'), 7m (23'), 8m (26'), 9m (29'), 9.5m (31')and 13m (43') yachts were created by Bruce Kirby - arguably the most successful sailboat designer of this era - designer of Laser, Sonar, America's Cup challengers and many more. [Photo - NIS 23 Matilda framed by Perth skyline]

Bruce has designed a much bigger Laser for grown ups, still following the philosophy of simple to rig and sail, but easily homebuilt, with cabin accommodation and real cruiser/racing ability

The 18', 23', 26' and 29' versions of the NIS are trailerable, and the entire range possesses shallow-draft beachability, high manoeuverability and self-righting characteristics.

Bruce conceived the Norwalk Islands Sharpies out of the need for a shallow, capable boat to access his own slowly silting waterway in Rowayton, on the edge of Long Island Sound. The Sharpie type was a natural choice. The Rowayton Norwalk Islands area of Connecticut was a famed oyster ground. The light, shallow, crossplanked, unstayed cat ketch sharpies - ubiquitous in this area - could carry great loads of oysters across breaking bars to get to market early and safely. A crew of two was the norm, and the low sides facilitated the tonging of oysters from the shallow seabed.

The Norwalk Islands Sharpies are what happens when a racing and performance aesthetic meets workboat commonsense, practicality and heritage.