Norwalk Island Sharpie 23

Description

The Norwalk Islands Sharpie 23 (often abbreviated NIS 23) is a lightweight, trailerable American sharpie-inspired pocket cruiser designed by legendary Canadian naval architect Bruce Kirby (famous for the Laser dinghy). Part of the Norwalk Islands Sharpies series (inspired by 19th-century Connecticut River oyster-fishing sharpies), it blends traditional workboat heritage with modern performance for shallow-water access, coastal cruising, and spirited sailing. Plans and kits are available from sources like Straydog Boatworks (Australia) or Bruce Kirby Designs, with boats typically owner-built or small-shop constructed in plywood/epoxy (some fiberglass sheathed); no large factory production exists, but dozens to hundreds across the series have been built worldwide since the 1980s. The 23 features a cat ketch rig (unstayed masts on tabernacles for easy setup/low bridges, self-tacking-like handling, easy reefing, and excellent twist control), extreme shallow draft (centerboard up), double-ended hull for wave handling and beachability, and a compact cuddy cabin for storage or minimal overnights (2–4 berths, basic galley/heads). It's praised for versatility (rows well, sails fast off wind with planing potential, motors with small outboard), seaworthiness in chop (perky sheer and buoyant ends), and fun factor—great for gunkholing, daysailing, or short coastal hops, often called a "cruising Laser for grown-ups."