Odd Roar Lofterød

Odd Roar grew up with his brother Bjørn by the sea in Oslo, and started competitive sailing at the age of 11. He continued sailing until 2010 when he was 63-years-old. During his career he competed in many different classes, but it was in the Flying Dutchman and Star that he had his greatest success – on many occasions with his brother. Odd Roar was selected to compete in the Soling Class at the 1980 Moskva Olympics, but unfortunately for him Norway boycotted the Games.

After no success in the half-tonners World Championship Lofterød had greater success in 1987 in the one-tonner World Championship, this time as a helmsman for Crown Prince Harald’s boat Fram V. The crew were crowned champions, one of the biggest achievements in Norwegian sailing history.

Lofterød imported Laser boats for business early in his private life, and helped this class of boat become very popular in Norway. He lived for many years in Switzerland building the family business Odlo, which became one of the best-known producers of sportswear in Europe.