Wirral sailing club welcomes King of Norway

Aug 26 2009 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

Wirral sailing club welcomes King of Norway as new member

HIDDEN away between an oil terminal and a bypass in Rock Ferry, one of England’s oldest sailing clubs has welcomed a new member – the King of Norway.

HM King Harald V of Norway has accepted an Honorary Life Membership of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club (RMYC) after being invited by the club’s former commodore Dr Nicholas Jedynakiewicz.

Well known as a passionate yachtsman, in earlier years His Majesty was three times a member of the Norwegian Olympic team.

In 2008 his yacht “Sira”, which was built for his father King Olav V, celebrated first place in the eight metre class in the World Championship of traditional sailing.

King Harald’s membership was recently approved by the club’s committee and David Massey, the new Commodore, said: “We are delighted that His Majesty has accepted Honorary Life Membership of this historic Mersey club.”

The Norwegian king is not the first royal to have a connection with the club, which was set up in 1844.

Months after it was created Queen Victoria became the club’s first patron and the RMYC has maintained links throughout its history with the British Royal family.