Peter Norlin is one of the most important names in Swedish sailing. His designs shaped the "Golden Age" of sailing in the 1970s and are characterised by elegant lines and outstanding sailing characteristics.
Peter Norlin's influence on yacht building
Peter Norlin belonged to that generation of yacht designers who perfected their craft at a time when GRP was already established in boatbuilding, but regattas were still a question of national identity and not the biggest budget.
His revolutionary half-tonner Scampi marked the beginning of an impressive career. With the characteristic kink amidships in the ship's side, Norlin won the half-tonne trophy three times in a row. The Scampi was subsequently built 1,400 times and heralded Norlin's success story.
Norlin's best-known designs
Among the most successful boats Norlin designed after the success of the Scampi were the Omega 42, seven different Albin types, the Avance 33 and 36, the Norlin 34, 37 and 41 and the Super Swede 53. As Sweden Yachts' in-house designer, he also played a key role in shaping their model range.
Norlin's boats inspire sailors with their strikingly inclined stem, beautiful deck lines, elegant stern shapes and low superstructures. "After all, the eye also sails along" is an often quoted saying that aptly summarises Norlin's design philosophy.
Versatility as a trademark
Peter Norlin's career was not only characterised by fast ocean-going cruisers, but above all by extraordinary diversity. He designed boats for almost every purpose, from the Mini Twelve 2.4 to the Albin Express and archipelago cruisers to the Swedish participants in the Whitbread Round The World Race (1981) and the America's Cup (1992). In total, over ten thousand of his designs were probably built. What they all have in common are good sailing characteristics and pleasant sea behaviour.
Programme of the GFK-Classics 2025
A varied programme awaits the participants of the GFK-Classics 2025. On Friday, 5 September, the boats will arrive at the Bay-Kiel on the former site of the British-Kiel Yacht Club from 3 pm. The official opening at 6 p.m. will be followed by a joint dinner in the festival hall.
Saturday is all about sailing: after the regatta briefing at 9 a.m., the GRP Classics Race starts in Strander Bucht. In the afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to view the participating yachts as part of the GRP Classics OpenShip. A panel discussion on the topic "What is a classic?" rounds off the day's programme, before the barbecue buffet and harbour party with live music are on the agenda in the evening.
Awards and competitions
One of the highlights of the event is the presentation of the GFK-Classics Award 2025, where participants vote for the most beautiful GFK classic of the year. Restoration, maintenance, original condition and authenticity will be taken into account.
In addition, the GRP Classics Project Prize will be awarded to the participant whose boat offers the best prognosis and the greatest potential in terms of restoration, preservation and protection of the substance.
The Törn Award 2024 for the most interesting cruise report of the past year will also be presented at the event.
Significance for the classic GRP scene
Over the past two decades, the GRP Classics have developed into the summit meeting of classic GRP yachts. The event offers owners the opportunity to exchange ideas, present their boats and honour the history of GRP yacht building.
The GFK-Klassiker e.V. association, which has been organising the event since 2012, supports owners in preserving their ships and promotes the documentation of this important era of boatbuilding.
By honouring Peter Norlin, the 2025 anniversary meeting is setting a special accent and underlining the importance of the Swedish designer for the development of modern yacht building.
Programme
Friday 5.9.2025
- From 3.00 pm: Arrival at the Bay-Kiel with cake buffet
- 5.00 pm: Registration and issue of participation documents
- 6.00 pm: Opening of the GFK-Classics
- 7.00 pm: Dinner in the festival hall
Saturday 6.9.2025
- 8.00 am: Coffee and rolls
- 9.00 am: Regatta briefing
- 9.30 am: Setting off for the Classics Regatta - start in the Strander Bucht
- 10.30 am: 1st start, large track
- 11.00 am: 2nd start, small track
- Subsequently The regatta will be followed by an exercise in the bay off Stickenhörn. Explanations will be given at the regatta briefing.
- From 3 pm: GFK-Classics OpenShip with coffee and waffles on the jetty
- 6.00 pm: Panel discussion in the Holzfesthalle "What is a classic?"
- 7.00 pm: Barbecue buffet in the festival hall. Presentation of the Törn Award 2024 The bar is open
- From 8.30 pm: Harbour party with the band Soltoros
Sunday 7.9.2025
- 9.00 am: Breakfast together in the festival hall
- 10.00 am: Presentation of the 2025 awards - prize-giving for the race and the quiz
- Subsequently Departure
