How stable are the boats under sail?
Norfolk Urchin/Oyster/Gypsy/Smuggler: It is important to study the hull shape of these boats. As you will note, they have a very firm turn of the bilge – this characteristic ensures probably the best stability of all hull forms. It is quite common for boats of this size to be constructed with a chine hull (we would be happy to explain the difference if required). Unlike firm turn bilge hulls, chine hulls tend to become less stable when they start heeling. In other words they will heel quite quickly after the first few degrees. A firm turned bilge hull will, however, firm-up once it starts heeling and the difference between the two hull forms is very noticeable. Bearing in mind the extremely good stability of these boats they are ideally suited for sailing with an inexperienced crew or with young children. Norfolk Trader 45 and 65: Like the firm turned bilge hulls of the smaller boats, the Norfolk Trader 45 and 65 have the most stable hull form possible because they are completely flat
