Royals go match racing on the Waitemata- Image gallery - 1
by Richard Gladwell on 11 Apr 2014
HRH Duchess of Cambridge is all smiles after winning both races in the match racing series in the America’s Cup monohulls on the Waitemata Harbour - April 11, 2014 Richard Gladwell
www.photosport.co.nz
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went match racing on the Waitemata harbour, Friday, in the America's Cuppers NZL-41 and NZL-68.
It was the Duke's second match racing attempt on the Waitemata, having sailed here four years ago under the tutelage of America's cup skipper, Dean Barker.
Clearly he had not learned a lot from that experience, as he was beaten twice by his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
The America's Cup zone in Auckland was pretty much in lockdown for the Royal Visit, which included a walkabout amongst the crowds, followed by a match racing session on the Waitemata, followed by a fast run up the Waitemata in a Sealegs inflatable.
The breeze was good for the racing - about 12 knots. The only slip coming when the main halyard lock on the Duke's boat failed between races cauing a postponement or two, and forcing the cancellation of a proposed third race - which would have been a dead rubber anyway, as he was down 2-0.
The racing was followed by a massive international media contigent, and Emirates and the other Team NZ sponsors, would have received a massive amount of international exposure as a result.
Abord both boats were a crew comprising Emirates Team NZ members, RNZYS Youth crew, security staff and others.
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