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What a truly amazing and privileged day for a young Kiwi sailor! In a closely guarded secret, Year 12 College student, Stephanie Kirkman was selected by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as one of six young sailors to have the opportunity of a lifetime when they joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last Friday afternoon for match racing on board two ex-America’s Cup yachts, NZL68 & NZL41.
Stephanie wasn’t the only Saint Kentigern representative with Old Collegian, George Brassell (2012) also part of the Youth Team – and of course, Grant Dalton at the helm and designer, Nick Holroyd also on board!
On arrival at the Team New Zealand Base, Prince William and Kate came out to talk to the teams. Stephanie did not learn which boat she was to be on until the morning of the race and discovered that she was to sail with the Prince and Old Collegian, Grant Dalton. Stephanie said it was a ‘truly amazing’ day out on the water. Whilst the other team with the Duchess of Cambridge and Dean Barker took line honours in both races, the opportunity to sail with royalty and simply chat to the Prince more than made up for it. On the boat they chatted about sailing and the Prince told them about his travels so far in NZ.
Stephanie’s impressions: The Prince was really nice, down to earth with a good sense of humour but still very competitive. He was ‘just a really nice guy!’ The highlight? - All of it!
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