«NORGE» - THE ROYAL YACHT OF NORWAY AT CASCAIS!!!

(Click on the photos to better view them)

The Royal Yacht «NORGE» was a gift from the people of Norway to King Haakon VII in 1947, purchased in the wake a nationwide collection effort. The ship is owned by His Majesty The King, but is manned and maintained by the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Royal Standard is flown from the aftermost mast when the King is on board the Royal Yacht.

The sailing schedule of the Royal Yacht varies from year to year. The summer season is opened when the King embarks for inspection, normally in mid-May, and is closed in late September when the King disembarks. Today, the Royal Yacht is used in part to support the King’s participation in regattas. The King uses the ship as a base when competing in major yacht races. In recent years he has sailed in a number of regattas in European waters. The King and Queen also travel on board the Norge in connection with official engagements in Norway and abroad.

A Royal Decree of 1947 stipulates that the ship shall be manned, operated and maintained by the Norwegian armed forcesDuring the summer season the ship has a crew of 54, comprising 18 officers and 36 privates. During the winter the crew is reduced to a minimum of approximately 20. The crew’s main tasks consist of watch duty and maintenance. In February each year a group of new recruits reports for duty to begin theoretical and practical training for the coming season.

The same image, some hours after the former...

All photos by Sailor Girl, taken this afternoon and tonight at our beautiful Cascais Bay. For awsome photos of the Royal Yacht of Norway, please visit [Ships & The Sea]!...