Edward carries out launch for Sophie (From This is Hampshire)

Edward carries out launch for Sophie

4:06pm Wednesday 12th May 2010

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PRINCE Edward breezed into Hampshire to launch a charity yacht to encourage young people to learn life skills through sailing.

The Alexander Fairey has been donated to the Discovery Sailing Project to help its work with Scouts and schoolchildren from across the county.

The yacht is named after Army Captain Alex Fairey, pictured right, from Houghton, near Kings Somborne, who died in a motorcycle crash in 1997.

A memorial trust established in his memory works to allow others the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from outdoor activities that were such an important part of his life.

Addressing the charity members and local dignitaries at Universal Marina in Sarisbury, Prince Edward apologised for being the one standing before them. His wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was unable to attend yesterday’s ceremony because of illness.

The prince admitted she would have done a “much better” job, but added it did mean he was saved from competing against her in a sailing regatta this week.

He said: “In some ways I’m half relieved she’s actually not going to be competing against me because she beat me last year, so I won’t have to face that ignominy again.

“But I’m delighted to be able to step into her shoes today, briefly – luckily, she wasn’t wearing high heels.”

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