| A very special new recruit has been welcomed at | | | | King Harald is a well-known sailor and represented his |
| one of England's oldest and most respected sailing | | | | country sailing in the Olympic team three times. He |
| clubs, The Royal Mersey Yacht Club (RMYC). The | | | | has also won Gold, Silver and Bronze at a variety of |
| RMYC hosted King Harald V of Norway in celebration | | | | European Championships. |
| of his honorary life membership to the club. | | | | Chief Executive of the Wirral, Steve Maddox and |
| The club, founded in 1844, has a history of notable | | | | Mayor Andrew Hodson joined the club members and |
| members such as the Prime Minister at the time of | | | | the King for lunch in the club and enjoyed a display |
| its founding, Sir Robert Peel. The club is currently | | | | of their racing yachts. His Majesty was then |
| working with Wirral Council on a massive | | | | presented with a book demonstrating the Wirral's |
| redevelopment of the coastline from Rock Ferry up | | | | links with Norway, written by local author Stephen |
| to Eastham. | | | | Harding. |
| Dr Nicholas Jedyanakiewicz, former commodore of | | | | Following a presentation of the boats, the King was |
| the club, who invited the King to visit, showed him | | | | escorted by the Commodore on board the club |
| around the club. He was then welcomed by the | | | | Yacht 'Momentus' and onto the racing waters. The |
| present Commodore David Massey and flag officers. | | | | tour included a sail past the world heritage waterfront |
| "We are delighted to welcome such an accomplished | | | | of Liverpool and via Albert Dock before visiting GL |
| and passionate sailor as His Majesty to the club." said | | | | Watson & Co Ltd, the oldest dedicated yacht |
| club commodore David Massey. The RMYC has a long | | | | design firm in the world. |
| list of traditions and heritage and has long been | | | | A reception dinner was held by the RMYC at the |
| involved in local projects. The club currently races | | | | Town Hall of Liverpool in the King's Honour where he |
| three classes of modern and classic keelboats at | | | | was presented with the clubs flags to celebrate the |
| national and international level. | | | | clubs continuing links with royalty. |