INTERVIEW
“Sailing is very flexible – you can go where you like, which is a huge advantage”
lots of things to be gained from being part of a boating community too, such as learning how to respect the water – that’ll always be relevant. The RYA aims to inspire people to join this welcoming community.
How do you think The British Sailing
Team can encourage future sailors? All sport needs a pinnacle event that brings everybody together. And I think the Olympics is still the pinnacle for many sailors. It focuses on excellence but it does help in a broader context by promoting good coaching across watersports at all levels. And the nice thing is you often get athletes giving back to the sport too, inspiring the next generation.
You’ve described being on the water as valuable time away. What are the
benefits to your wellbeing? Being away from it all, on the water, gives you freedom to manage your own time and choices, which doesn’t come any other way. And it’s very flexible – you can go where you like, which is a huge advantage. I think that’s always been true of cruising sailing, but it depends on what you’re looking for. Some people don’t regard Western Scotland as the ideal cruising territory. We [HRH and husband Sir Tim] do, because it has endless scope.
What do you enjoy about being patron
of Sailability? Sailability clubs have been able to rise to the challenge of offering different vessel classes and sizes that really do make the best of people’s skill sets. And that’s an enormous advantage
rya.org.uk AUTUMN 2025 23 What’s your most memorable boating Below:
Meeting young competitors the RYA Youth National
Championships in Wales this year.
moment? There’s been lots which were unforgettable. I have photographs of dolphins underneath the bow of our cruiser, which was very enjoyable to witness. It doesn’t happen too often. In fact, I probably had to wait 35 years before we took a proper picture with dolphins in! But I always say that with boating and sailing, everyone is on a level playing field.
Above: The
Princess with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
because it gives equal access for people to succeed. I think sailing has more to offer in that respect. The other thing I rather like about Sailability is that the age range is very wide – I think that’s quite important too. Clubs just need support to get the access right.
Photos: Paul Wyeth
Photo: PKC Media
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