Duchess downs the duke in Auckland yacht race

Royals have fun in the City of Sails

Duchess Catherine smiles during the yacht racing on Auckland Harbour.

It's was another busy day yesterday for the Duke and Duchess who let down their hair during some friendly competition in Auckland.

The pair began their day at Whenuapai Airbase, familiar territory for the helicopter pilot prince, where they met 200 largely Air Force personnel and their families.

As ever, the Duke and Duchess entertained the younger fans in the group, with William proving his parenting prowess.

"It was good to see he's very well trained. Emily's dummy fell out of her mouth and he had it picked up within two seconds," said RNZAF Flight Sergeant Jason Dreaver.

Prince William and Catherine then travelled to downtown Auckland where thousands had lined the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

For eight-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient Lili Reynolds, the day was a dream come true as she got the chance to meet a real life princess.

"She said 'hi' and I said 'hi'. And then I gave her the flowers and while I was giving them I said "pleased to meet you your royal highness" and then I did a curtsy. And then after that we talked for a little bit.," said Lili.

Black clouds threatened to put a dampener on the big event of the day but the skies stayed fairly clear as the royals battled it out in their own America's Cup showdown on the Waitemata Harbour.

Team Kate was with sailing hero Dean Barker, while fellow legend Grant Dalton was paired with the Prince.

The Duchess was in her element, having spent time crewing sailboats round the world and she proved her prowess in the water, winning both races easily. Prince William was forced to admit defeat.

"We were sabotaged," he joked.

"Something happened with the boat and she yelled 'excuses, excuses' to William," said one of the young sailors on board Catherine's boat.

The royals were then escorted to West Park marina in Hobsonville where they were presented with a mini Sealegs boat for Prince George before jumping on their flight back to Wellington.

Today they travel to Hamilton where the Duchess will visit a children's hospice while the Duke opens an indoor cycling track. They will then head to Cambridge and drive through the town centre before stopping at a war memorial.

Source: ONE News

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