Sira one boat two Kings

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In 1938, the Norwegian 8 Metre vessel, Sira, set sail with a singular ambition: to seize victory in the prestigious Kattegat Cup. Remarkably, she clinched this coveted title six times, a feat made even more illustrious by three triumphs under the skilled guidance of King Olav himself. In 2006, the reins of Sira passed to King Harald, who took to the helm with fervor, navigating her through the waves until 2022.

“Sira – One boat, two kings” encapsulates the rich narrative of this storied vessel. Authored by the esteemed Norwegian yachting journalist, Mikkel Thommesson, and adorned with captivating imagery captured by top yachting photographers worldwide, this opulent tome chronicles the boat’s remarkable journey through history, particularly during the reigns of the two monarchs.

Following the resounding success of its Norwegian counterpart, the English edition of “Sira – One boat, two kings” has been released, swiftly garnering acclaim with its initial print run selling out in no time. Over the past years, Thommessen diligently conducted interviews and research, delving into Sira’s past and engaging with key figures in her sailing and preservation efforts, including King Harald himself.

Sira stands as a titan among Norwegian yachts, boasting a legacy adorned with numerous regatta victories and a prestigious lineage tracing back to her inception. Crafted with the explicit goal of claiming the Kattegat trophy, a challenge that saw fruition in her maiden season under the expert guidance of her designer and builder, Johan Anker.

In the post-war era, Sira found solace in the tranquil waters of Hankø, serving as a vessel for King Olav’s leisurely sailing excursions with companions. Notably, she graced the 8 Metre World Championship in 1983, with King Olav at the helm, marking another pinnacle in her illustrious career.

Upon King Olav’s passing in 1991, the stewardship of Sira passed into the capable hands of King Harald, with the Marine Museum in Horten assuming custodianship of the beloved 8-metre vessel.

Both kings left an indelible mark on the Færder Race, with King Olav securing victories in 1949, 1950, and 1951, and King Harald adding to the triumphs in 2012 and 2013, despite official duties necessitating a different class start.

Mikkel Thommessen’s prominence in Norway’s sailing community is undisputed, his enduring contributions as a sailor and journalist shaping the landscape of the sport. He aptly summarizes Sira’s significance, declaring her as one of Norway’s most exquisite sailboats and a pivotal figure in the nation’s maritime heritage.

Order information

The English edition of “Sira – One boat, two kings,” meticulously curated by Robert Deaves, is now available for purchase, inviting enthusiasts to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of maritime history for £39.99.

Format: 216 x 280, 104 pages, hardback.
ISBN: 978-1-912724-27-7
Cost: £39.99
104 pages, 160 photos

Order here:
https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/sira-one-boat-two-kings
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sira-One-boat-two-kings/dp/1912724278/

Sample pages