Royal couple cheer on crew as Britons win America’s Cup races
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge perched on the front of a high-speed catamaran as they cheered on Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup team to victory.
The royal couple joined thousands of spectators to support Sir Ben’s Land Rover BAR team in the Portsmouth leg of the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS).
William and Kate, wearing the shirts of the Olympic champion’s team, sat at the front of the twin-engine boat as it chased after the racing catamarans at speeds in excess of 40 knots during the three races of the afternoon.
At the end of the final race which secured Land Rover BAR’s victory, the couple’s boat, bearing the royal standard, sailed alongside Sir Ben’s catamaran as the team and their support vessel cheered and began their celebrations.
When the teams arrived back at the event village, William and Kate presented the winner’s trophy and medals to Sir Ben and his team in front of cheering crowds.
Sir Ben said to the crowds: “The guys did an incredible job with the boat handling and to be able to do that in front of you guys is what it’s all about for us.”
After the royals had left the stage, the winners celebrated their victory with the traditional spraying of champagne.
The couple began the day by visiting the home crew’s base in Old Portsmouth, where they were met by a group of youngsters who had been out with the team ahead of the racing, courtesy of The 1851 Trust, the Land Rover BAR-affiliated charity of which Kate is royal patron.
They also met 10-year-old Zak Kay, from St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Portsmouth, who won a competition to design the trophy for the event.
When he asked William what George had received for his birthday on Friday, the prince replied: “I am not telling, he got too many things, he’s far too spoilt.”