The cross-Channel dragon boat race between a team of upmarket women — The Sisterhood — and a group of monkish men — The Brotherhood — was won decisively by the men, despite their veering off course for part of the way.

The Sisterhood begin their challenge

Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate Middleton, was forced to pull out of the race earlier because of security fears.

By chance, it was possibly the best conditions of the summer on the treacherous English Channel, renowned for its tidal rips, deadly shoals and deceptive sandbanks. The calm waters allowed the men to post a scintillating time of 3 hours and 31 minutes, smashing the previous record.

The ladies set off in near mill pond conditions and were heartened to hear the men had lost their way. However, they encountered choppy conditions approaching France and were nearly sunk by water surging over the sides of their flat-bottomed boat. Had the Channel been anywhere near its normal self, it’s doubtful whether either team would have made it to Gallic shores.

But make it they did, although bested by a team of very strong and experienced rowers. A commendable performance by both crews, raising around £100,000 ($200,000) for charity.

But what if Kate had been there at the helm of the ladies’ boat? Royal Anecdotes has no doubts that The Sisterhood would have triumphed.