Sophia
In 1943 under the black gloom of war, the Knarr was born in Norway.
Designed by Erling L. Kristofersen, approximately 150 Knarrs were launched in Norway over the next 25 years, and she became the most popular boat of her size in the region.
Today, the Knarr fleet numbers approx. 120 boats in Norway, approximately 50 in the USA,
and well over 120 in Denmark. In 1954 she was approved as a national one-design class
in Denmark. Borresen's yard in Vejle, Denmark, is the only licensed builder of the Knarr,
with a production so far of more than 160 yachts, since 1974 built in fiberglass.
The Beautiful wooden Knarr Sophia is berthed next to my slip in San Francisco, and this morning I had the opportunity to talk with her crew about her history. Her keel was laid 1963, and she has undergone a couple of refits since, including a complete rebuild from the rail up. She is now in beautiful condition and is lovingly cared for by her crew, daysailing and racing in the bay.
Credit must be given to those who, like the crew of Sophia, keep little pieces of our history alive through their passion and dedication to the task. It is a minor credit to humanity to see works of art such as this little Knarr out sailing as living history, rather than collecting dust in some cryptlike museum - keep up the good fight, lads!
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