Stephanie to sail with Royals!

A closely guarded secret can be revealed today! Year 12 student, Stephanie Kirkman has been selected by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as one of six young sailors to have the opportunity of a lifetime when they join the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this afternoon for match racing on board two ex-America’s Cup yachts, NZL68 & NZL41. Stephanie won’t be 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!

The Duke and Duchess will race against each other in three match races, with the crew made up of Emirates Team New Zealand members and the six selected youth sailors. Grant Dalton will be accompanying Prince William and Dean Barker will welcome Catherine on board. The weather conditions are expected to be a little damp, however, the forecast 5-10 knot northerly winds will be sufficient for the match race to go ahead.

Stephanie started sailing when she was seven years old and has been a member of the College Premier Sailing Team since Year 10. Last year, after years of club sailing in the Optimist and Starling Class, she was offered a position on The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth training scheme. She sails every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year with just a month off in May. Like Old Collegian George Brassell, she will be in the programme for three years.

We can’t wait to hear about this amazing opportunity from Stephanie after the completion of racing!