Developed from 19th century Broadland wildfowlers gun punts, the modern Norfolk Punt is a development class with a max length of 22 feet and beam of 6 feet. With a 22 sq. metre upwind sailplan, unlimited spinnaker, twin trapeze and no minimum weight, class handicaps vary from 1117 for the oldest 1918 timber built boat to 845 for a modern composite built design.
The original gun punts were double ended (so they did not sink from the recoil of the massive gun they carried), were shallow hulled and flat bottomed. The class rule have restrictions on rocker, rise of floor, gunwale plan and deck plan to ensure continuity with their wildfowling heritage, although modern boats tend to sport bowsprits rather than guns.
Many early designs have been rebuilt and are still racing either with their original rigs or upgraded with a carbon square top rig. The building of new designs compliant with class rules is actively encouraged by the class. Punts are raced primarily at the Norfolk Punt Club (Barton Broad) and Hickling Broad sailing club and on the rivers of the Norfolk Broads.
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