The Duchess of Cambridge has filmed a video message for the British team as the America’s Cup World Series and Christmas Cup begins later this month in New Zealand.
Kate, who is Royal Patron of The 1851 Trust, which is the official charity behind Britannia’s captain, Sir Ben Ainslie, recorded her message at Kensington Palace, saying that 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.”
The Duchess recalled competing on the America’s Cup race boats in New Zealand six years ago, during her official visit to the country with her husband, calling the experience “hugely exciting,” but noting that, “next year, in far more capable hands, and thanks to the incredible engineering and technology behind their new race boat Britannia, the British Team will race across the Haraki Gulf in New Zealand, at speeds of up to 60 miles an hour.”
Kate continued, “I am delighted that The 1851 Trust, which I’m proud to support, is the official charity of Sir Ben’s team. The Trust’s involvement in the America’s Cup will, I hope, continue to encourage young people from all walks of life to get out on the water and inspire a new generation of sailing enthusiasts.
“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.”
Sir Ben Ainslie released a statement saying, “We can’t wait to get racing. This has been three years in the making. These remarkable America’s Cup boats are so complex that the first racing in the America’s Cup World Series will be a steep learning curve for all the teams, and whilst the teams won’t be in their final configurations, I have no doubt that it will be a great spectacle for the fans.
“We really hope that the British public will get behind us in this challenge of a lifetime. Sailing is a major sport out here in New Zealand, and the anticipation is building for it to be a huge spectacle. We are very grateful to the Duchess of Cambridge for her message of support and for those unable to join us here in Auckland we plan to put on a good show for you.”
The America’s Cup is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing competitions and has had royal support since 1851 when Queen Victoria watched a race around the Isle of Wight.
