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Sailing insights: Martin Kamperhaug breathes life into the half-ton class
January 21, 2026 · 25 min · 938 views · Grimsøy, Norway
Two men talk aboard Elvström 1/2 Ton in workshop.
What this video covers
Martin Kamperhaug, based at Grimsøy Marine, leads a growing revival of the Half Ton class in Norway. Since 2020, interest in the class has surged, culminating in a 2023 reunion regatta at Hankø with 35 boats and a 2026 event already attracting 40 entries.9:08 Kamperhaug manages a fleet of approximately 12 boats, including the historic 1972 world champion Bess, an Elvstrom 32 currently undergoing restoration.5:31 Restoration projects often involve replacing rotted balsa core in decks and applying new paint schemes based on original RAL codes.8:15 The class is divided into two categories: Classic, which requires original keels and overlapping genoas, and Modern, which allows IRC-optimized modifications like new keel profiles and swept-back rigs.16:36 While optimized boats may point higher on the wind, Kamperhaug notes that skilled crews remain the primary factor in race performance.15:52 Entry-level, functional Half Tonners like the Nessie 94 are available for approximately 100,000 NOK.15:05
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