The Rest of The Family

The G-Class

Designed for Norfolk Knights

Ian Hannay didn't just design the Galion 22 and 28. He also designed another craft that shows all the signs of the Galion strategy. This too displays the Hannay prime aim of the easily propelled hull.  It clearly reflects his aim of space and comfort coupled with good performance.  Although larger than the Galion 22 there are two versions at 25ft 6inches & 27ft. Like the Galion 22 they have something giving them that safe big boat feel.  As you will see they display all the luxury one could wish for down to central heating and the onboard H & C shower cubicle.  Whilst not designed as racers they can display a surprisingly capable performance. There again that's Ian Hannay for you.  He just doesn't seem to hang about.  They are also designed with outstanding sea keeping qualities.  Designed for deep sea sailing and with a modest draught for inland broads and river cruising.

 

These were also well known as "Kent Class" yachts by different builders.

The owners say:

Dear Keith,

What a thrill to see the launch of the Galion 22 Owners' Association! We wish you and your doubtless rapidly growing membership well, but regret that you have chosen to concentrate upon the Galion while leaving the G-Class; Norfolk
Knight and Kent Class out in the cold! When you are ready to spread your wings to encompass the entire 'family' please allow us to join your ranks.

We are very happy owners of a Kent Class design (but Broads built) 27 footer and have twice been approached at our Northern Broads 'home' mooring by a most kindly gentleman by the name of Mr John Roomes. John displayed a great interest in our "Ostara" and more than a little historic knowledge - he vowed to furnish copies of pages from 1967 isssues of PBO and these duly arrived by post. I am delighted to attach copies to this correspondence for your interest and that of your membership and website visitors - as you see fit.

"GclassAd" is from PBO No 4 of April 1967, p.109 &

In the "Waiting for the Tide" pages of PBO Number 2 of Feruary 1967, a few column inches were reported under the heading "Watch Hannay" and centred largely upon the 25'6" G-Class's accommodation and fitness as a dual purpose
sailing-cruiser-cum-motor-cruiser. There remains a couple of G-Class/Norfolk Knight boats in the Broads hire fleet to this day, very popular they are too.  PBO No 11 of November 1967 contained editorial text relating to G-Class which
concluded "It will be fun to test her and a pleasure to tell you more in a month or so's time". Sadly I do not have a copy of that test report and fear it is not available from PBO archives.

Happy sailing!

Val & Jerry Ping

What Luxury! no problem spending time on board for holidays.

If we could only revive some of these splendid designs

To see more about these excellent craft:

Click Here: http://www.ostara.org.uk/index.html

Gary Says:

Hello

Just come across you on the web

I was involved in the building of the G class back in the  1960's in Horning. I was also involved in the initial sea trials-and ,if anyone's interested I have much of the history of the firm Norfolk Knights

Regards

Gary Gilden

garygilden@aol.com

          

Thanks for that Gary.

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