Second Royal Visit of the Summer

Tuesday 23 July 2024

This release has been shared on behalf of Government House, Guernsey

Guernsey's Royal summer is set to continue, with a second visit next month.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh will pay a visit to Guernsey on Monday 12^th August 2024, to celebrate the Association of Sail Training Organisations' Guernsey - Poole Small Ships Race, inspired by the RNLI's 200^th Anniversary (see note 1). It will be Her Royal Highness's first visit to the Bailiwick since becoming Duchess in 2023. Her Royal Highness last visited Guernsey with Her husband as the Earl and Countess of Wessex in 2022, to mark the 77^th anniversary of its liberation from occupation (see note 2). The race runs from 13 - 15 August, from Guernsey to Poole and involves some 140 young people across 12 boats, which will begin arriving in St Peter Port on 10 August 2024.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is Royal Patron of the Association (ASTO, see note 3), will meet with around 140 young people who are taking part in the race, which is open to any Sail Training vessels of which at least half the crew is under 25 years old (see note 4). Her Royal Highness will also take to the water aboard of one of the boats for a sail in local waters.

Ms Kerry McMillan,Chief Executive of the Association, commented:

'This race was inspired by the RNLI's 200^th Anniversary with the aim of raising awareness of the impact on, and value to, young people of Sail Training and adventure afloat generally.' (See note 5)

She added: 'We know that Guernsey provided crews for Sail Training passages like this one in the past, and we're very much hoping to reignite that relationship with the Bailiwick and its young people.'

Ms McMillan said that ASTO will also host a reception in Guernsey in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, as the foundation of a legacy from which young Islanders can benefit in the future.

The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, commented:

'We are exceptionally fortunate to be hosting this short visit by Her Royal Highness in her capacity as Patron of an organisation that is particularly relevant to these islands. The sea is a wonderful environment for developing leadership and resilience in young people, and Guernsey provides the perfect setting for this event. We hope that Her Royal Highness has a very enjoyable day here, both afloat and ashore.'

'The character and skills that young people acquire through sail training not only benefit them as individuals, but also the whole community. Qualities like resilience, initiative and self-confidence are always in demand, not only in the workplace but also in other aspects of daily life.'

The Association of Sail Training Organisations is made up of 31 sailing charities, with a fleet of more than 50 sail training vessels. Each year, ASTO members enable over 12,000 young people and people with additional needs to undertake life changing adventures afloat. Sail Training is a challenging adventurous activity delivered outside the normal routine of life, but it is also a fun and exciting adventure. Sailing offshore as part of a team that is responsible for the running of the boat opens a whole new world of challenges, skills and discovery.

Notes

1. See: Small Ships Race - UK Sail Training

2. See: The Earl and Countess of Wessex to visit on Liberation Day | Liberation Day

3. See: ASTO - Home - UK Sail Training

4. Small Ships Races are run for vessel under 24 m, using the racing rules of Tall Ships Races.

5. See: Be part of the RNLI's 200th anniversary

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