With less than 2 weeks until the start of Europe Week 2014, it is clear that this regatta, which commemorates the 1914 event, as well as the bicentenary celebration of the 1814 constitution, will gather some of the finest classic yachts presently available in Northern Europe.
So far 93 yachts from ten countries have entered the regatta. Ten of these also participated in the 1914 event! More about the regatta history with some old footage on this video.
Many metre boats
The most impressive class will undoubtedly be the magnificent twelves, where 11 yachts, from the first 12 ever built to the R rule, the Johan Anker designed Magda VIII from 1909, to the 1983 America’s Cup yacht USA 38 «Magic», now representing the Netherlands will participate. Three of these are double enders and one will be gaff rigged, the British boat Kelpie.
As many as eight 10 metre yachts will be on the line, so will six nine metres including the oldest boat in the fleet, the gaff rigged Pandora, designed by Johan Anker and built by Anker & Jensens famous yard in Vollen in 1907.
Einar Koefoed represented Norway in the 1964 Olympic Games in the Flying Dutchman class, having defeated the Olympic Champion from 1960, Peder Lunde jr in the trials. They will meet again in Europe Week 2014, as Lunde now helms the largest boat in the fleet, Erling Storms Eileen II.
Royal Yachts
Royal yachts present in addition to Sira are King Olav V’s 6-Metre yacht Norna II now owned by wooden boat enthusiast Lars Ingeberg, and then Crownprince Haralds 21st birthday present, the 5.5 metre Fram II, now German owned.
Europe Week 2014 will be declared open by H. M. King Harald V wishing the sailors welcome in Sandefjord on the 15th July at 1900 hours. The following days are filled with sailing and a comprehensive social program in Sandefjord, Son and Oslo, before the regatta will come to an end marked by a detailed program at the Norwegian Maritime Museum and prizegiving by his Majesty at 2000 hours on the 22nd July.
A new church is being built in Son, where a quiet room will be provided for sailors who want to spend time in quiet contemplation.
For further news regarding schedule and other matters click here.
