Prince William & Kate Experience Bahamian Sloop Racing
Prince William and Kate Middleton join Bahamian sloop racing in Nassau during the Platinum Jubilee Regatta.
Royal Visit Meets a National Sailing Tradition
The UK Royals sampled one of the Bahamas’ most iconic sporting traditions—Bahamian sloop racing—during their week-long tour of the region in March, part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year.
While official photographers battled heavy rain, it was the sailors themselves who captured the most memorable moments—snapping candid, close-up photos of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales aboard the racing sloops.
Sailing with the Locals
“I’ve been documenting Bahamian sloop racing for years,” says Jan Pehrson, whose work spans youth regattas to Grand Prix racing. “The sailors were so excited to have Wills and Kate onboard that they were sending me photos directly from the boats. Ironically, they got the best shots while the press struggled in the rain.”
The regatta took place in Nassau, Bahamas, with courses set in Montague Harbour along East Bay Street.
On the Water: Royal Racing Results
The young royals raced aboard 21-foot B Class sloops during the Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Regatta:
- 1st Place: Susan Chase V – Mangrove Bush, Long Island (Prince William skippered for the day)
- 2nd Place: Ole Boy – Salt Pond, Long Island
- 3rd Place: Cobra – Mayaguana
- 4th Place: Barbarian I – Acklins
- 5th Place: Ants Nest II – Ragged Island (Kate Middleton crewed aboard)
Prince William raced alongside Bahamian National Champion Stefan Knowles, who called tactics aboard Susan Chase V, securing the win. Meanwhile, Duchess Kate’s team finished fifth in a competitive fleet.
A Cultural Highlight Beyond the Royal Visit
Despite rainy conditions, the event highlighted the energy and heritage of Bahamian sloop racing—a tradition deeply embedded in the islands’ maritime culture.
Moments like these continue to fuel conversations about elevating sloop racing as the official national sport of the Bahamas, reflecting its significance beyond recreation.
What This Means for Caribbean Sailing
- Showcases Bahamian sailing culture on a global stage
- Highlights grassroots participation alongside high-profile guests
- Reinforces the importance of traditional racing formats
- Brings renewed attention to Caribbean maritime heritage
For more on Bahamian sloop racing, visit Jan Pehrson.
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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