As the royal tour of the down under countries commenced many have held their breath and followed the action-packed royal tour. After their royal welcome ceremony on the 7 April in wellington this action-packed tour was scheduled to include many exciting events including a 50 mph white water racing, as well as a friendly but competitive yacht racing off the Auckland harbour. The prince and the duchess have been set to compete against each other in two team New Zealand America’s cup yachts, NZL41 and NZL68.
The team new Zealand skipper, Dean Barker will join the duchess of Cambridge against prince Williams and grant Dalton on 11 April 2014 for two matches. The races are pitting them against each other who are both expected to take a turn at the helm. This most awaited event will be open to the public. There will be 20 people on each yacht that will include members of all ages from the New Zealand’s yacht racing team from America’s cup. That will include dean barker, Dalton, Kevin Shoebridge, bowmen Jeremy Lomas and Richard Meacham, grinders Derek Saward and Winston MacFarlane, tactician Ray Davies and designers Nick Holroyd and Dan Bernasconi, the representatives from the Royal New Zealand yacht squadron’s youth program, the royal staff and the couple’s private secretaries.
There will be two short races on that day. Although the prince has tried his hand at sailing one of the yachts the last time he was here, it will be the first time for the duchess. Kate Middleton is keen on sailing and also quite competitive. With all the ingredients of a perfect friendly race, now people are hoping for an amiable weather to make it a perfect and memorable day although there is a forecast for light showers this Friday.