Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

The Royals who Sail

by Des Ryan on 27 Jun 2008
Royal HRH SW
There are literally hundreds of sailing clubs in the world that have the title 'Royal' in their name – have you ever wondered why? After all, you don't hear of too many 'Royal' Football Clubs..... and why are so many members of Royal Families interested in sailing?

Partly the reason is historical. Many European seafaring nations built their empires and world power by controlling the sea, and developed very strong maritime traditions. It was, therefore, important for rulers of yore to be trained 'before the mast'. In fact, in Britain, Prince William was the first to break with this tradition and announce that he would enter the Royal Army, instead of the Royal Navy.

In the Scandinavian nations, primarily Norway and Denmark, the Vikings sailed the northern seas extensively and were both warriors and traders.

Many of the rulers of ancient countries, from China (who sailed through the North West Passage in prehistory) to Turkey to Greece, took pride in their fleets.

Today, there are always a few royal names appearing in international racing regattas or merely relaxing on their classic yachts.

Think about HM King harald V of Norway (left), a very keen yachtsman. Formerly an Olympian, he is a regular and active participant on his boats famously known as Fram.

Then there's King Constantine of Greece, who has been an enthusiastic competitor in racing sailing events(see right). He even won a gold medal in the 1960 Rome Olympics. He figures today as President of Honour of ISAF (International Sailing Federation), and is present to announce the Sailor of the Year Awards every year.

Prince Eitel Frederick of Prussia is also a yachtie with passion. He has a yacht called Elizabeth, just new in 2005 when he raced it and finished third in the annual regattas of the Imperial Yacht Club in Kiel(left). Emperor William was there watching.

What about Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark?(right) He is another Royal who is a highly skilled sailor. He has participated in the last three Rolex Farr 40 World championships. He was also responsible for bringing the 2007 event to his home town, and is often filmed at the helm of a sailing boat..

Finally, there's His Majesty King Juan Carlos(left), who has been an active sailor for many years, sailing in Bribons – he competed in the Sardinia Rolex Cup just a couple of years ago.

Prince Charles of Britain has been sailing lately, but he chose the £50-million Leander superyacht (left) to sail the Caribbean – Sail-World has taken a vote, and we don't think this counts.

However, we found that HRH Prince Charles crewed on the famed racing boat Siska(left) when she set the fastest time defeating world champion Kioloa, and was first overall at Cowes in the Queen Victoria Cup against 329 other entries.

So next time you get an invitation to go sailing on a classic yacht - or even a competitive one - ask if there are going to be any Royals on board ... you just never know your luck...

V-DRY-XSea Sure 2025Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS Footer

Related Articles

Meet the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Commentary Team
Olympian Lisa Darmanin and Rolex Sydney Hobart Winner Jack Macartney to lead live broadcast The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is pleased to confirm Olympian Darmanin and 2022 & 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart winner Macartney as the lead commentators for the live broadcast of the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race.
Posted today at 6:46 pm
IMOCAs in the Rolex Fastnet Race
Ocean racing's state of the art One of the most historic and eternally ground-breaking oceanic racing yacht classes is the IMOCA. These 60 footers are the world's most advanced offshore racing monohulls, the class used in the Vendée Globe since its inception in 1989/90.
Posted today at 6:27 pm
18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona summary
Yachts from over 10 countries and around 400 sailors competed off the coast of Barcelona Barcelona's prestigious regatta for Classic and Vintage yachts, the Puig Vela Clàssica, celebrated its 18th edition, further strengthening its position as one of the premier international events for classic sailing in the Mediterranean.
Posted today at 6:06 pm
SailGP - Fresh breezes predicted
Fresh breezes are forecast the first day of racing in SailGP and the Admirals Cup. With two days remaining to the start of racing in SailGP Portsmouth, the forecast is for fresh breezes on both racedays, which should make for exciting racing.
Posted today at 5:36 pm
Nominations open for World Sailing Awards 2025
Presentation to be held at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire on 5th November Many of the sport's biggest names will be in attendance at the World Sailing Awards 2025, held on Wednesday 5 November at a gala ceremony at the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland.
Posted today at 4:12 pm
Mackay Bieker BM-V3 dominates at 2025 Moth Worlds
Innovation was on display at the just concluded Moth Worlds across nearly every area of the boat. The 2025 Moth World Championships in Lake Garda delivered thrilling racing across a wide range of conditions, featuring an elite lineup of Olympic champions, America's Cup helmsmen, SailGP stars, and the next group of up-and-coming youth.
Posted today at 3:07 pm
OK Dinghy World Ranking July 2025
Patric Mure is the new World No.1 Patric Mure has become only the 11th person to reach the top of the OK Dinghy World Ranking list as he takes over the No.1 spot from Australia's Roger Blasse, who drops to fourth. Britain's Andy Davis and Nick Craig move up to second and third.
Posted today at 2:07 pm
Double Podium For Team Allen
Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a Moth Worlds victory Representing Team Allen through its French distributor, XPO, Enzo Ballanger sailed fully equipped with Allen hardware to a dominant victory at the 2025 International Moth World Championship.
Posted today at 11:00 am
New concept & programme for the Yacht Racing Forum
An updated concept designed to reflect our delegates' expectations This year, we will merge the conference on the Management and Business of the sport and the Design & Technology Symposium, enabling all participants to attend the entire event.
Posted today at 10:50 am
Blind Sailor's solo Round the Island Challenge
Dani A. Pich is aiming to navigate his Patí Català catamaran around the Isle of Wight next week A truly remarkable challenge is underway on the Solent, with blind sailor Dani A. Pich aiming to sail solo around the Isle of Wight in a catamaran dinghy that has no rudder, no centreboard, no boom and is steered by the use of balance and body weight.
Posted today at 9:06 am