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William beats Catherine in good-natured boat race on Canadian tour

Prince William competes in a dragon boat race across a lake in Dalvay-by-the Sea Monday.

Prince William competes in a dragon boat race across a lake in Dalvay-by-the Sea Monday. (REUTERS)

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island – The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went oar-to-oar in a dragon boat race Sunday and Prince William put on a display of emergency helicopter maneuvers as the royal couple began the fifth day of their Canadian tour with a stop on the country’s east coast.

William and his dragon boat team were victorious over Catherine and hers in the race across Dalvay Lake on Prince Edward Island’s north shore, earning themselves a bottle of champagne.

But the prince provided his wife with a consoling hug at the finish line, People reported.

According to the CBC, Catherine — who in 2007 trained as part of a crew for one of the elongated teak boats – said prior to the race she and her husband were so competitive they couldn’t finish a tennis match against each other.

Earlier, William, an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, participated in a “water bird” emergency landing procedure exercise aboard a Canadian Forces helicopter.

Dressed in a black helmet and green flight uniform, he guided the helicopter gently into the water, simulating what would happen if engine failure required an emergency landing, the CBC reported.

The couple arrived on Prince Edward Island – named after Queen Victoria’s father, Prince Edward Augustus – Sunday night and as usual, all eyes were on Catherine’s wardrobe.

For the welcoming ceremony Monday morning, she wore a cream dress with a nautical feel that was designed by Sarah Burton, the same designer who made her wedding dress, according to Sky News.

Later she changed into a dark blue coat and red scarf to watch William’s helicopter exercise under gray, rainy skies. By dragon boat race time, she was in an open-necked sweatshirt and slim navy trousers, People reported.

P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz, whose wife of five years is also named Kate, offered the prince some marital advice in his opening remarks, the Montreal Gazette reported.

“Your Royal Highness,” he said, “it’s very important to remember the Kates are always right.”

The royal couple had more island events planned for Monday afternoon before flying on to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. From there, they’ll go to Calgary, Alberta, where they’ll officially launch the annual Calgary Stampede, before heading off for three days in southern California.

Since arriving Thursday on their first official trip as husband and wife, William and Catherine have visited Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City.

During the Quebec City stop, Catherine may have given some hint of the couple’s future family plans, Sky reported. When a proud dad wished her well in her efforts to start a family, she replied, “Yes I hope to.”