A keen sailor, HRH regularly enjoys exploring the Inner Hebrides on her yacht and is known for having an appreciation for wooden boats. HRH The Princess Royal is also the president of the RYA and has presented many awards including RYA Yachtmaster of the Year award as well as visiting the RYA Youth Championship this year.

HRH arrived at Spirit around midday where she was welcomed by CEO and head designer Sean McMillan and managing director Nigel Stuart before beginning a tour of the yard. With a great deal of sailing interest and knowledge, the Spirit team were excited to show HRH the projects currently in build in the Spirit yard. As requested, our boat builders continued working during the royal visit in order to allow HRH to see the craftsmanship and expertise of the team.

Her Royal Highness was accompanied by The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Countess of Euston, during the visit and was also greeted by the Mayor of Ipswich, Sarah Barber, Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council Sue Cook, Ipswich MP Sandy Martin and Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council, Russell Williams.

Sean and Nigel led the tour of the yard and talked through the current stage of each project. HRH took the opportunity to really understand Spirit Yachts and was very keen to explore the builds and see the level of skilled craftsmanship that goes into each stage of a Spirit yacht.

Sean McMillan commented: “As a keen sailor, Her Royal Highness was very taken with the boats in build in our yard and it was a pleasure to introduce her to our team of world class boatbuilders, who are all very passionate about what they do. She was incredibly knowledgeable, had a great deal of enthusiasm for our craft and was a delight to talk to.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal to Spirit Yachts for the first time and hope our paths may cross again, perhaps where we are both happiest – out on the water!”