written by Matias Collins on August 28 of 2026 and read by 560
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The International Soling Association (ISA) mourns the passing of our Honorary president, His Majesty King Harald. The ISA sends its condolences and best wishes to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, the Norwegian Royal family and the people of Norway.
The King had a remarkable sailing career on and off the race course. He participated in in three consecutive Olympic Games sailing in the 5.5 meter class in Tokyo (1964) and Mexico (1968). He finished 10th at the Munich Olympics (1972) sailing in the Soling Class with his crew Johannessen and Lund. His greatest finish in sailing came in 1987 when he sailed Fram X to a victory at the One-Ton cup World Championship. His team went on to the Europeans in 2005 with Fram XV. On land, he continued to be a champion for sailing. He founded the Norwegian Sailing Federation in 1970 and became its first president , and he was not only a witness but was deeply involved in the former International Yachting Racing Union (IYRU) that then became the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and lately know as World Sailing (WS), serving in the Council of such institutions while taking part in so many local and international events.
In 2018 his Majesty and his team achieved a Bronze medal at the 8meter class World Championship and the latest international event at age of 85 sailing the 8meter class a 10<sup>th</sup> place during the World Championship held in Geneva during 2025.
In two weeks, the Soling Class will hold the Norwegian Championship and the 2026 European Championship in Grimstad on the southeast coast of Norway. This will be a wonderful opportunity for Soling sailors to reflect upon and remember the great accomplishments of our Honorary President.
Three cheers to King Harald!
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