Olaf Harken, who co-founded namesake sailing hardware specialist brand Harken with his brother Peter more than 50 years ago, has died at the age of 80.

Originally sailboat builders under the Vanguard name, Olaf and Peter Harken started what became a hugely successful rope handling business out of a trailer in their hometown of Pewaukee, Wisconsin in 1967.

Thanks to their placement in the influential Lands’ End catalogue, the brothers began the long and winding course of growing the company and their brand into an international phenomenon — and now their products can be found everywhere from the highest performance racing yachts to junior dinghies.

Today, Harken manufactures marine hardware, hydraulics and winch systems for sailing and cruising sailboats, with industrial hardware applications in sectors from commercial marine to rope access and rescue.

Olaf Harken (bore 6 May 1939, dude 21 October 2019) was inducted into the US National Sailing Hall of Fame with his brother Peter for their services to sailing. More recently, and just days before his death, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the Pewaukee Yacht Club Awards Dinner.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 47 years, as well as three daughters, four granddaughters and a grandson.

Addressing Harken employees on Monday, chairman Peter Harken said of Olaf: “My Brother did all the hard work so I could have all the fun.”

A celebration of Olaf Harken is scheduled for Harken corporate headquarters following the funeral service this Saturday 26 October. A further celebration for overseas friends is planned for the METS show in Amsterdam next month.

Read more in the company obituary on the Harken website HERE.

53 Degrees North, Ireland's Outdoor Adventure Stores with branches already at Carrickmines and Blanchardstown - caters to Climbing, Hillwalking, Biking, Camping, Hiking, and of course watersports including Kayaking, Sailing, Surfing and Swimming.

Western Marine, Ireland's Largest Marine Distributors, was established in 1966 and is based at Bulloch Harbour since 1968. Western Marine caters to all marine markets, from sailing and motorboating to commercial workboats, and specialises in inflatable boats and RIBs as well as a huge range of marine equipment, lifesaving equipment etc.

Commenting on the new store, Western Marine's MD, Hogan Magee said "We're very enthusiastic about this venture - 53 Degrees North carry a full range of clothing, footwear and equipment from value for money through to top end premium quality products and that fits very well with our own philosophy of providing of premium quality at affordable prices.

The two ranges are complimentary, with very little product overlap, and the result is a truly comprehensive watersports display that we think is unparalleled anywhere in Ireland".

53 Degrees North MD Alan McFarlane said "We're really excited about this. Western Marine has a superb reputation in all marine markets, and the combination of the Western Marine and 53 Degrees North brands will give us both a wonderful opportunity to grow our businesses.The huge range of watersports gear which we offer now has a waterside home, and a whole new customer base. With free car parking spaces available in the adjacent boatyard, shopping with 53 Degrees North at Western Marine could not be easier"

Among the huge range of brands now available under one roof are worldwide leaders including Zodiac inflatable boats and RIBs, Teleflex steerings and engine controls, Skipper and Besto lifejackets & buoyancy aids, Icom VHFs, Gleistein yacht ropes, McMurdo EPIRBs, Harken, Lewmar, Garmin GPS, Pains Wessex Flares, Musto, Helly-Hansen and Henri-Lloyd sailing clothing, Dubarry marine footwear, O'Neill wetsuits, Oakley eyewear, surfboards by Cortez, and kayaks by Islander and Wilderness.

The new store is open 7 days a week throughout the Summer, with opening hours 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday