Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Guernsey Ahead of RNLI Sailing Race

The Duchess of Edinburgh paid a visit to Guernsey on Tuesday, ahead of a special sailing race commemorating the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) 200th anniversary. The event saw over 130 young people embark on a journey from Guernsey to Poole, Dorset, as part of a unique sailing challenge.

As Royal Patron of the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO), the Duchess took the opportunity to meet with the young participants, all under the age of 25, and learn about their experiences. The Duchess engaged with the young sailors, inquiring about their ambitions and the skills they were developing through the program. ASTO, dedicated to offering young people the chance to learn sailing and team-building skills, provides a valuable platform for personal development.

The race itself presented a unique challenge for the young participants, with the vessels relying solely on their sails, foregoing the use of their engines. Joshua Caudary, a member of ASTO, expressed his honour at meeting the Duchess for the first time, describing it as a "fantastic" experience. He shared that she engaged with the participants, showing genuine interest in their experiences and future aspirations.

Neave Chatting-Tonks, a Governor Cadet representing the youth commission, also had the opportunity to meet the Duchess, describing it as a "really amazing experience." Chatting-Tonks, who previously met Queen Camilla during her visit in July, noted the Duchess's personal and engaging nature, highlighting her genuine interest in the participants' well-being.

Lauren Mackenzie, a member of the ship Prolific, remarked on the "very cool" experience of meeting the Duchess. She recounted how the Duchess took part in sailing activities, even taking the helm for a period and engaging in conversations with the crew. This involvement further demonstrated the Duchess's genuine interest in the program and the young people participating.

The event served as a testament to the value of sailing as a platform for personal growth, teamwork, and leadership development. The Duchess's presence underscored the importance of supporting such initiatives, which provide young people with valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.