In Memory of H.M. King Harald V of Norway
28 August 2026 - ORC joins Norway and the sailing world in mourning the loss of H.M. King Harald V, who served for decades as Honorary Chairman of our organization, following many years in the same role at World Sailing, then known as IYRU.
He inherited his passion for sailing from his father, King Olav, and after competing in several Olympic Games, moved on to offshore racing in the IOR era, then IMS. His long line of "Fram" yachts was always at the forefront of development.
In 1987 he won the One Ton Cup in Kiel aboard a new Farr design (Fram X), before moving on to the ILC40 class, then the 50-footer, with which he won the European ORC Championship in 2005; then the TP52, and finally the Swan 50.
His sailing career came full circle in the classic 8- and 6-Metre yachts once raced by his father, where he achieved excellent results as recently as three years ago.
His crew was always an example of seamanship as well as camaraderie at major events around the world — often racing against other royalty and high-profile professional crews, yet always with a friendly approach and quiet Norwegian pride.
Thomas Nilsson, ORC Mancom, who sailed with the Fram crew for nearly 20 years, adds:
"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. 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."
