The Duchess of Cambridge has sent a sweet message to the British team preparing for the “challenge of a lifetime” in the America’s Cup, the famous yachting competition. When delivering her well wishes, Kate also shared a touching memory of when she and husband Prince William visited New Zealand six years ago.
The Duchess, who is patron of the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust, told the crew: “We will all be cheering you on.”
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie is skippering Ineos Team UK on the Britannia race boat at the 36th America’s Cup, held in New Zealand.
In her video message to the team, Kate said: “Sir Ben Ainslie and his team are about to embark on the challenge of a lifetime – an attempt to win sport’s oldest international trophy, the America’s Cup.
“All the teams taking part have spent years preparing for the match and sailing fans around the world are waiting exciting showdown in March.”
Kate was dressed in a white and blue shirt, with one of the crew’s navy jackets as she delivered the message.
She then recalled racing against Prince William on America’s Cup boats when they visited New Zealand in 2014, which she described as “hugely exciting”.
The Duchess said she hoped young people from all walks of life would be encouraged to “get out on the water” and a “new generation of sailing enthusiasts” would be inspired to take up the sport.
She added: “As all the teams prepare to take part in their first race, I want to wish them the very best of luck over the coming months.
“We will all be cheering you on.”
Preliminary racing in the competition begins with the America’s Cup World Series and Christmas Cup from December 17-20, ahead of the official start in January.
More to follow…
