King Harald V of Norway, who has died, served for decades as Honorary Chairman of the Offshore Racing Congress after many years in the same role at World Sailing, then known as the IYRU. The organisation is now mourning his loss.
He came to the sport through family. His father, King Olav, raced too, and the passion clearly ran in the blood. King Harald competed at several Olympic Games before moving into offshore racing during the IOR era, then into IMS, campaigning a long line of yachts all named "Fram". Those boats were consistently at the sharp end of design development.
In 1987 he won the One Ton Cup in Kiel aboard a new Farr design, Fram X. From there he moved through the ILC40 class, then into the 50-footer with which he won the European ORC Championship in 2005. The TP52 followed, and finally the Swan 50.
Late in life his sailing came full circle. He returned to the classic 8-Metre and 6-Metre yachts his father had once raced, and was still posting strong results as recently as three years ago.
His crews were known for seamanship, but just as much for camaraderie. At major regattas around the world he raced against other royalty and high-profile professional outfits, yet always carried a friendly, understated manner and a quiet Norwegian pride.
Thomas Nilsson, of the ORC Mancom, sailed with the Fram crew for nearly 20 years and spoke of him as a leader first.
"Personally, having had the privilege of being part of that crew for nearly 20 years, I can say that King Harald was, above all, a wonderful team leader, generous, down-to-earth, and endlessly passionate about the sport we shared," Nilsson said. "Sailing with him was never about titles; it was about the wind, the water, and the people around him. His example won't be forgotten. Fair winds, King."
