BOSSES at a leading boat builders were thrilled to get a Royal seal of approval when Princess Anne helped the first of their latest catamarans roll off the production line.

The Princess Royal was at the prestigious London Boat Show when she visited the stand of Brightlingsea-based family firm White Formula UK.

Directors Henry and Thom White were busy building the first production model of the new Whisper catamaran when the Princess decided to lend a hand.

She injected resin into a special mould – a key part of the manufacturing process.

The Princess chatted to designer Ron Price and brothers Thom and Henry, who are the grandsons of 1976 Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Reg White.

“She was very impressed,” said Henry.

“It was amazing to have her come and take an interest.

“She knew our grandfather and father, so it was fantastic. She seemed really interested in what we are doing with the new boat.”

The 18ft carbon fibre Whisper took more than a year to develop and boasts a cutting-edge hydrofoil system.

It has a top speed of 25 knots and costs £19,500.

The first catamaran off the White Formula UK production line now has a gold plaque in honour of Princess Anne’s role in its launch.

It is the first time a boat has been built from scratch at the international show.

The Princess is president of the Royal Yacht Association.

Henry said: “You don’t really expect the Royals to turn up and get their hands dirty.

“You just expect them to look around, but the Princess took off her gloves and got involved.”

He added: “Orders are coming in thick and fast. We are looking forward to getting a fleet of them sailing.”