Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge

Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has become the royal patron for The 1851 Trust.

The Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton, will be lending her support to The 1851 Trust - a charity which aims to have the UK enter the 2017 America's Cup, a sailing competition which Britain hasn't won since 1851.

In a statement, Catherine 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."

The 31-year-old royal - who beat her husband Prince William at a sailing race in New Zealand earlier this year - then added: "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 1851 Trust will help people under the age of 25 learn how to sail by providing them with the relevant skills and training.