Swedish yachtsmen on the punishing Volvo Ocean Race got a boost this weekend when they were joined by Crown Princess Victoria. The 28-year-old royal visited the Ericsson crew members, who've been at sea for five months competing in the prestigious event, as they dropped anchor in Brazil.
Dressed in the team's blue and white colours, the dynamic princess was on hand as the sailors put their vessel through its paces. But the manoeuvres weren't just for the benefit of their royal guest as the ship was taking part in one of the event's many in-port races across Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay.
Her presence certainly gave the team a lift as it took a respectable third place. Victoria's jubilation on their behalf was clear as she held aloft the trophy in front of the cameras.
The next stage of the adventure takes them on to the United States before they reach the finish line in the Swedish town of Gothenburg in June.
But if Victoria were minded to stay on in town there'd plenty to occupy her. Apart from playing host to the greatest party on earth, the annual Carnival, this spectacular, Samba-loving city teems with Brazil's greatest asset: its people. The nation is a melting pot of races and colours, and the cariocas as the locals are known, have a reputation for being the warmest in the country.
The famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are a sun-worshipper's paradise. People-watching is a popular pastime, especially the body-conscious girls, poured into teeny bikinis that resemble bits of dental floss.
The lush trails of the Florestra da Tijuca, the world's largest urban forest, also offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, while an outing to the Christ the Redeemer statue atop the Corcovado Mountain rewards visitors with a magnificent view over the city.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
