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Duchess Kate wins, twice, in yacht races against Prince William

Prince William was left in the dust — or in this case, sea foam — after his wife defeated him in a pair of yacht races Friday in Auckland, New Zealand.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took the helm of two America’s Cup yachts for a pair of three-mile races. The day at sea gave Duchess Kate a chance to showcase her sailing skills while wearing a casual nautical-themed outfit, a departure fro
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 11:  Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge are taken out on a Sealegs boat after match r...
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William after a yacht race Friday in Auckland, New Zealand.Hannah Peters / Getty Images

Prince William was left in the dust — or in this case, sea foam — after his wife defeated him in a pair of yacht races Friday in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took the helm of two America’s Cup yachts for a pair of three-mile races. The day at sea gave Duchess Kate a chance to showcase her sailing skills while wearing a casual nautical-themed outfit, a departure from the more formal attire she has appeared in so far during the family’s three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand.

epa04162916 Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L), steers an Americas Cup yacht under the guidance of Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker (R)...
Duchess Kate steers an America's Cup yacht under the guidance of Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker during one of her match races against Prince William.MARK COOTE / Today

The race was reminiscent of a dragon boat race the competitive couple took up three years ago while in Canada. Prince William won that battle, and the intensity he showed as he set off in his yacht Friday indicated he planned to retain his victorious title.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 11:  Prince William, Duke of Cambridge races with Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton during a match race on the Waitemata...
Prince William races with Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton during a match race in New Zealand's Waitemata Harbour.Hannah Peters / Today

Alas, the duchess proved to be a natural with the bigger boats.

Catherine (2nd L), the Duchess of Cambridge, gestures as she steers an America's Cup yacht towards her husband, Britain's Prince William, after she cr...
Duchess Kate gestures as she steers an America's Cup yacht towards her husband after crossing the finish line.PHIL NOBLE / Today

The royal couple arrived Down Under earlier this week with their eight-month-old son, Prince George. So far they have paid their respects to New Zealand's fallen soldiers,visited an aviation museum with director Peter Jackson and attended an unveiling of a new Queen Elizabeth portrait. They also have met with other parents of young infants during a massive playdate for Prince George. 

epa04163181 Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, smile at the Viaduct Harbour before going sailing with Team New Zealand in t...
Kate gives a smile and thumbs up to well-wishers at Viaduct Harbour before going sailing with Team New Zealand in Americas Cup yachts.FIONA GOODALL / POOL / Today
Duchess Kate's royal style

Slideshow  172 photos

Duchess Kate's royal style

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears everything from fancy hats to casual tank tops. See how Prince William's wife can easily go from a high society affair to shopping on the streets of London.