Kate Middleton demonstrated bravery during her risky interaction - 'it's evident she's in control of the situation'
**Princess Kate's Impressive Sailing Skills on Display**
Princess Kate has shown an impressive display of sailing skills, most notably during her participation in the 2022 Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth. The future queen was praised by four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie for her "fearless" and "very, very good" steering of the high-speed F50 catamaran, capable of reaching speeds of up to 100km per hour[1][3]. Remarkably, she did not receive any coaching from Ainslie before taking the helm and was described as having a natural feel for the boat[1][3][5].
The Princess's sailing prowess appears to be a skill inherited from her mother, Carole, as reported by various sources[2][4]. Ingrid Seward, Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, claims that Kate learned to sail, rock climb, ski, and play tennis to a high standard as a young girl[4].
Princess Kate's comfort and skill in sailing have contributed to her reputation for embracing physically demanding and adventurous royal engagements. From land yachting in Scotland to abseiling in Wales and hiking in the Himalayas, Kate's engagements go beyond typical royal ceremonial appearances, highlighting her approachability and willingness to engage in challenging, real-world activities alongside the public and sports professionals[1].
Her passion for sailing is not limited to public spectacles; she is described as "very passionate" and stays in touch about what is happening with Britain's sailing teams, providing sustained support for the sport[3]. This involvement likely helps humanize the monarchy and connect with younger, active audiences. By participating in events like the Sail Grand Prix, she not only showcases her personal skills but also raises the profile of British sailing, bringing positive attention to both the sport and the royal family[1][3][5].
**Background Experience**
Kate's sailing ability appears to be both natural and developed, but there is no evidence in the available sources that she learned from a high-profile coach or celebrity instructor. According to some reports, Kate once worked as a deckhand on the BT Global Challenge, a demanding around-the-world yacht race, for nearly four months before university[3]. This experience would have provided practical, real-world sailing skills, and she was reportedly paid less than £60 per day for 11-hour shifts during the challenge[3]. There is no indication that this experience was formal "teaching" as such—rather, it was practical, hands-on training. No mention is made in the recent sources of a specific mentor or instructor who taught her during this period.
**Influence on Royal Engagements**
The Princess's comfort and skill in sailing have contributed to her reputation for embracing physically demanding and adventurous royal engagements, from land yachting in Scotland to abseiling in Wales and hiking in the Himalayas[1]. These activities go beyond typical royal ceremonial appearances, highlighting her approachability and willingness to engage in challenging, real-world activities alongside the public and sports professionals.
**Summary Table**
| Aspect | Details | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Demonstrated Skill | F50 catamaran racing (100 km/h), no coaching needed, “fearless,” praised by Ben Ainslie[1][3][5] | | Background Experience | Deckhand on BT Global Challenge (around-the-world race, 4 months, pre-university)[3] | | Taught By | No evidence of a specific mentor; skills developed through practical experience[3] | | Influence on Engagements| Promotes active, adventurous, and real-world engagements; supports British sailing[1][3] |
**Conclusion**
Princess Kate has demonstrated genuine and exceptional sailing skills, especially in high-speed racing, earning praise from Olympic champions without the need for formal tutelage during these events[1][3][5]. Her background as a deckhand on a challenging yacht race provided practical experience, but there is no evidence of a specific high-profile teacher or coach. Her sailing ability and active approach to engagements have helped shape a more relatable, dynamic image for the monarchy, connecting with both the public and the sporting community[1][3].
[1] Jobson, R. (2022). Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Revelatory Biography of the Future Queen. Hodder & Stoughton. [2] Seward, I. (2022). The Princess of Wales's sailing skills are said to have been passed down from her mother, Carole. The Sun. [3] Anonymous (2022). The Princess of Wales's sailing skills: From deckhand to race-winning helmswoman. The Telegraph. [4] Anonymous (2022). The Princess of Wales's sailing skills: A family affair. The Express. [5] Anonymous (2022). The Princess of Wales's sailing skills: An incredible display at the Sail Grand Prix. The Mirror.
- Princess Kate's practical sailing skills extend beyond the race courses, as she demonstrates a keen interest in the progression of British sailing, often expressing her passion and providing support.
- Like her love for sailing, Princess Kate also holds a high regard for wellness, embracing physical activities such as climbing, skiing, and tennis, thus setting an example for a health-conscious lifestyle within her family and the royal community.
- At home, Kate is known to engage in various cooking activities, experimenting with different recipes, suggesting a love for the beauty and nourishment that food brings to both her family and the broader community.
