The royal family have long been passionate sailors. As Prince of Wales, Edward VII commissioned one of the greatest racing vessels of all time, . Prince Philip was gifted the by the Island Sailing Club following his engagement to the Princess Elizabeth, and (in her signature breton top) famously raced circles around on America’s Cup boats during a state visit to New Zealand.
Sophie, Duchess of , is no different. After a joyous trip to to cheer on Team GB at the Olympic Games, the 59-year-old royal donned her sailing gear and took to the sea at Guernsey this week. As patron of the Association of Sail Training Organisations, Sophie certainly knows her hull from her rudder.
And it was in her role at the helm of the ASTO that the Duchess made her way to St Peter’s Port harbour for the Guernsey to Pool Small Ships race. The competition, held in honour of the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, sees young people racing across the Channel in 12 different boats. And the Duchess of Edinburgh was all hands on deck aboard The Prolific, a vessel owned by the Ocean Youth Trust South.
Donning a blue , a navy pullover and shorts, and some seaworthy shades, Sophie looked every inch the royal sailor as she stood in front of the steering wheel – and in typically wise , she wore a lifejacket, too. Lifting buoys onboard with ease, the Duchess looked right at home on the boat. The visit marked Sophie’s first time in Guernsey since acceding to her new title in 202.