The Knarr One Design traces its roots back to 1943 when Norwegian yacht designer Erling L. Kristofersen created the design as a response to a challenge from the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club. The club sought a new racing yacht that could combine speed, stability, and seaworthiness while remaining affordable and accessible to a wide range of sailors.

Kristofersen’s design quickly gained popularity, and the first Knarrs were built in 1944. The Knarr class received official recognition by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) in 1946, cementing its status as a recognized one-design racing class.

The Knarr’s design features a keelboat hull with a moderate displacement and a sleek, classic appearance. Its length measures approximately 30 feet (9.15 meters), and it typically accommodates a crew of three to four sailors. The boat’s design emphasizes stability and performance, allowing it to excel in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

Over the years, the Knarr class has maintained strict one-design principles, meaning that all boats within the class are nearly identical in design, construction, and equipment. This focus on uniformity ensures that racing outcomes depend primarily on the skill and tactics of the sailors rather than variations in boat design.

The Knarr class has enjoyed widespread popularity, particularly in Norway and the United States, where fleets have flourished. Knarr regattas attract competitive sailors who appreciate the boat’s racing capabilities, as well as its timeless elegance and classic lines.

Today, the Knarr class continues to thrive, with fleets found in various locations around the world. The boats are typically constructed using modern materials, such as fiberglass, to ensure durability and longevity. The Knarr One Design remains an active and respected racing class, offering sailors the opportunity to compete in challenging and exciting events.

30 ft Knarr One Design Sailboat – boats – by owner – marine sale (craigslist.org)