princess anne boating© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Anne's secret hobby she almost never talks about – see photos

The royal keeps her hobby under wraps

Wellness Editor
June 21, 2022

Monday saw Princess Anne pay a visit to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, taking to the water to celebrate the club's centenary.

SEE: Princess Anne steps out in the denim outfit that'll surprise you

The Princess Royal checked out yachts and powerboats, and also watched young attendees get to grips with boating. The Queen's daughter was also able to enjoy a race during the event.

WATCH: 8 quirky outfits that made Princess Anne an unexpected style icon

While the royal hasn't been vocal about her passion for sailing over the years, Princess Anne has been a keen fan since 1979, when she became a patron of the club.

READ: Princess Anne wows Royal Ascot crowds in ruffled dress – and just look at that colour

READ: Princess Anne's £3K sentimental jewels are beyond beautiful - real story

The Princess Royal has shown her commitment to sailing on numerous occasions over the years, joining the crew in the ladies' championship event at the yacht club, participating in RIB support of junior racing, and even keeping her own yacht on the river close to the club.

Princess Anne displayed her love of boating in 2021 on a visit to the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight. While there she viewed youth training, before travelling to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club by boat to watch more keen sailors hit the waves.

princess anne boat flag© Sportography

Princess Anne visited Royal Lymington Yacht Club

Anne spoke fondly of her "links" and "early memories of sailing" at the west Cowes-based club, and took time to speak to senior members and a group of aspiring young sailors.

READ: Princess Anne recalls fond memories of her late father's love of sailing

Asked by Royal Yacht Squadron commodore Jamie Sheldon if she had ever sailed on a Flying Fifteen – a sailboat designed by Uffa Fox – Anne said: "I was considered a bit too young and a bit of a nuisance.

© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Anne enjoying sailing

"I started really with Bloodhound (a yacht). I regressed to dinghy sailing for a bit, but then got a slightly bigger boat.”

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity and royal news delivered directly to your inbox.

More Health & Fitness

See more