Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has become the Royal Patron of The 1851 Trust, a new sailing charity connected to Britain’s bid to win the America’s Cup in 2017. The 1851 Trust is the charitable arm of the British challenge and will work with under-25s to encourage them to get involved in sailing and maritime industries.
The duchess said: “I am delighted to be Royal Patron of The 1851 Trust. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed sailing from a young age and I know it is a great way of providing young people with the opportunity to develop skills and confidence. It is a hugely exciting time for sailing as the British challenger bids to bring the America’s Cup back to Britain. I am looking forward to being part of this journey and I hope that through the 1851 Trust we can engage and inspire a new generation into sailing along the way.”
The Duchess sailed with Emirates Team New Zealand last April, on a visit to Auckland with her husband, Prince William.