After WWII, Norwegian sailors
enthusiastically embraced the Grimstadjolle,which they designated
as the GJ class. The Royal Norwegian Sailing Association
designated the GJ as its official junior boat. It joined
a select number of boats from Norway, Sweden and Denmark
accepted for certified sailing education. The GJ quickly
became known as the “biggest small boat on the water” because the easy-to-sail craft
was built and felt like a much bigger boat. In proper sailing
circles, the GJ offered a greater radius of action for participating
in regattas. The wider range allowed young men to cruise
for female companions who were usually more than willing
to join them for a day on the open sea.
GJ soon became one of Norway’s most
popular classes in small boat regattas. King Harald sailed
GJs in school competition and the Queen learned to sail
on one. Even the Royal Norwegian Navy adopted the GJ to
train cadets in basic seamanship. However, as man-made materials
and new designs gained favor, the little Grimstadjolle faded
from view. A precious few boats were lovingly maintained
as family heirlooms, but many vanished.
By the mid 1980s, sailors renewed their
appreciation for wooden boats, especially the venerable
Grimstadjolle. The classic design not only invoked images
of a simpler time, but it also represented a level of craftsmanship
impossible to duplicate in fiberglass or steel.
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