The NorseBoat 17.5 Viking represents a purposeful evolution of a proven platform – one that strips sailing down to its essentials while enhancing performance, efficiency, and ease of use. Built on the same hull as the award-winning 17.5 Classic, the Viking takes a more focused approach, making it an exceptional choice for racing and adventure sailing.
Lightweight, simple, and highly adaptable, the Viking is designed for sailors who want to move fast, travel far, and rely on their boat in real-world conditions.
A Proven Hull with a Performance Pedigree
At the core of the NorseBoat 17.5 Viking is the same fiberglass hull that has already proven itself in demanding environments, including expedition races and long-distance challenges. This hull delivers a unique balance of speed, stability, and efficiency.
The flat cockpit floor with water ballast beneath provides confidence in varying conditions, while the pivoting centerboard and shallow draft allow the boat to perform across a wide range of water depths.
For racers and adventure sailors alike, this means one thing: versatility without compromise.
Lightweight Design for Speed and Efficiency
One of the Viking’s greatest advantages is its reduced weight and simplified construction.
By reducing the side decks, eliminating a traditional cockpit coaming, and providing an open storage locker forward, the Viking becomes lighter and more open. This reduction in weight translates directly into improved acceleration and responsiveness – key advantages in racing conditions.
At the same time, the simplified structure reduces drag from unnecessary components and makes the boat easier to handle both on and off the water.
For adventure sailors, this efficiency means less effort, longer range, and more time spent moving forward.
A Simplified Rig Built for Reliability
The Viking’s rig is designed with one goal in mind: maximum performance with minimal complexity.
The pivoting carbon mast and “set flying” jib dramatically reduce setup time – a critical advantage in both racing and expedition environments.
The boomless, fully battened mainsail with reef points offers clean, efficient power while remaining easy to manage. Simple sail attachments allow for quick adjustments without complicated systems.
The furling jib, attached directly at the bow, keeps the sail plan streamlined and effective, while an optional asymmetrical spinnaker adds speed off the wind when conditions allow.
For racers, this means more focus on performance. For adventurers, it means reliability in remote or changing conditions.
Built for Real-World Racing Conditions
Unlike many purpose-built race boats, the NorseBoat 17.5 Viking is designed for real-world racing – the kind that includes changing wind, shallow water, and unexpected challenges.
Its ability to sail and row provides a major advantage in endurance and expedition races. When the wind drops, the Viking keeps moving. When conditions tighten, it remains controllable. When obstacles appear, it adapts.
An open, self-draining storage locker forward make it easy to access gear quickly, while the uncluttered cockpit allows for efficient movement and transitions.
This is a boat built not just for speed, but for adaptability and resilience.
Shallow Draft, Unlimited Access
The Viking’s shallow draft is one of its most powerful features for both racing and exploration.
It allows you to:
- Navigate shallow coastal routes
- Cut through areas inaccessible to deeper boats
- Approach shorelines and landings with confidence
- Choose more direct, efficient routes
In competitive settings, this can provide a strategic advantage. In adventure sailing, it opens up entire regions of water that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Adventure-Ready, Without the Extra Weight
For expedition sailing, simplicity is strength.
The Viking’s stripped-down design reduces maintenance, minimizes onboard systems, and keeps the boat easy to manage in all conditions. With fewer components to fail and less weight to carry, the Viking becomes a dependable platform for extended trips.
Optional features like a dodger and full cockpit tent allow for overnight capability without sacrificing the boat’s core performance.
It’s a balance that few boats achieve – race-ready performance with true expedition capability.
Performance at an Accessible Price Point
Another key advantage of the NorseBoat 17.5 Viking is its cost efficiency.
At approximately 15% less than the 17.5 Classic, the Viking makes high-performance sailing more accessible without sacrificing the qualities that define the NorseBoat experience.
For sailors entering racing, transitioning from smaller boats, or seeking a capable adventure platform, the Viking offers exceptional value.
A Boat Designed to Go Further
The NorseBoat 17.5 Viking is not about excess – it’s about intention.
Every element is designed to support performance, reliability, and ease of use. The result is a boat that excels in racing environments while remaining perfectly suited for long-distance exploration.
Fast when it needs to be. Simple when it matters most. Adaptable in every condition.
For sailors who want to push further, explore more, and rely on their boat every step of the way, the Viking is ready.