In Geneva, Switzerland, a WC on an 8 meter cruise is now underway.

Among the participants was King Harald, who was the captain of the “Sira” boat. She sailed with a crew of six more.

After six out of ten voyages, King Harald and his crew were currently in 11th position. There are a total of 24 teams competing in the championship.

Victory goes to the team with the best performance after a total of ten stages.

King Harald, who turned 85 in February, has been training into the summer, apart from carrying out his duties and responsibilities as king of Norway.

– Throughout the spring, the king and crew have been training with “Sira” in the interior of the Oslofjord, Sven G. Gjeruldsen, assistant head of communications at the Royal Court, told NRK when it was announced that the king would be participating in the WC.

Foot surgery in January last year also did not prevent the king’s participation in the World Cup.

– The king is in good condition, said Gjeruldsen.

Former world champion

In Geneva, King Harald competed with boats representing a total of eight countries: Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Finland.

When King Harald and his crew on board the “Sira” took part in the WC 8 meters in Germany four years ago, they finished in third place.

Sailing, which is one of the sports that the king loves, has several international achievements, with the acquisition of five WC medals, namely one gold, two silver and two bronze. He also has European Championship gold.

King Harald also represented Norway three times at the Olympics (1964, 1968 and 1972). His best Olympic result is 8th place in the 5.5 meter class.

An 8 meter long toilet in Geneva is now scheduled to operate from July 25 to 30, depending on wind conditions.

“The most experienced 8 meter sailor in the world”

King Harald is honorary president of the International Sailing Federation and also the International Federation for 8 metres.

According to the International 8 meters Federation website, it is the highest award that can be given to someone who has made a special contribution to the sport.

There, the king is described as “the most experienced 8 meter sailor in the world”.

“More than 80 years ago, in 1939, his father King Olav took him aboard the 8-metre-long “Sira”, and it was the beginning of a lifelong deep passion for sailing and the sea,” the association wrote, describing King Harald as a keen sailor. highly recognized and competitive.