The Oslo Class sloop has a clinker-built round-bottom hull with a transom stern. A forward deck extends aft of the mast and side decks, 7 in. wide, are carried all the way to the transom. Floorboards, in easily removed sections, are fitted in the cockpit. A roomy seat across the after end of the boat has locker space built in below it. There is another seat in way of the centerboard trunk; this is in two sections and is removable. The tall rig is simple, the mast being slotted for the boltrope and the boom being fitted with a track. A long, hinged tiller activates the outboard rudder.

Certain advantageous features of the Oslo Class have caused it to grow to over 1,000 boats and to be used as the official training and racing boat of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club. The planking laps throw spray down and away from the boat, making her extraordinarily dry in a chop. The centerboard can be lifted from the trunk at any time without the necessity of dry-docking the boat. An outboard motor can be hung on the transom and the hull is easily driven under power. The high rig with its short boom makes her easily handled when running, for the boom cannot trip. She is stable and seaworthy, yet light enough to be easily handled by a trailer and two men. Due to her all-purpose ability, she is a good boat for either winter frostbiting or summer family use.

She is from the board of the Norwegian naval architect, Erling L. Kristofersen. The version shown here was developed particularly to appeal to the American market. Its European counterpart doesn't usually have a forward deck. Despite this, it is popular with youngsters for summer cruises. Two or three boys often take quite extended trips in the fjords and along the coasts of Norway.

The Americanized version is imported by Norge Boats, Inc., of Darien, Conn. When received in this country, the hull is un-painted. Norge Boats applies copper paint to the bottom, red-leads the bilges, and finishes the remainder of the hull with varnish. To complete the boat for delivery,

NORWEGIAN SLOOP. LENGTH: 18 FT. BEAM: 5 FT. SAIL AREA: 102 SO. FT.

rigging, fittings, and sails are added. Over 30 Oslo sloops have been sold so far in America. They show their best qualities when the going gets a bit dusty and are reported to be surprisingly fast and easy in a seaway and amazingly stiff under sail. Thanks to their light displacement, it is claimed that they will almost plane with a strong breeze aft. Like all centerboard craft, they perform best if sailed either upright or at a very slight angle of heel.

Specifications

Keel, stem, frames, transom, rudder post, rudder, and tiller: white oak.

Pl-anking: clear, straight-grained, edge-sawed Oregon pine.

Trunk, thwarts, and stern sheets: Oregon pine and African mahogany.

Clamps, deck beams, and floorboards: Scandinavian pine.

Foredeck: straight-grained narrow Oregon pine set in compound.

Kingplank, coamings, and covering boards: African mahogany.

Centerboard: hot-dipped galvanized-steel plate.

Fastenings: copper rivets, copper nails, and Everdur bolts.

Mast and boom: selected Scandinavian spruce.

Fittings: bronze, chromium-plated bronze, and stainless steel.

Standing rigging: stainless steel with stainless-steel turnbuckles.

Running rigging: yacht Manila.

Finish: hull completely treated with linseed oil; bottom finished with antifouling paint; bilges red-leaded; floorboards painted white; centerboard enameled; remainder finished with varnish.

Sails: mainsail and jib of Egyptian cotton, American made, with battens, insignia, numbers, and reef points; sail bag included.

Equipment: two mooring lines, an anchor with anchor rode, and a paddle.

Price: $950.

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