WITH the first official race of the 36th America’s Cup getting underway tomorrow (Thursday), the Duchess of Cambridge has given Seaview’s Olympic gold medal hero Sir Ben Ainslie gets royal backing as he does his 'utmost to bring the trophy back to where it belongs' — Great Britain.

Ben, the team principal and skipper of Ineos Team UK, is taking part in the America’s Cup World Series in Auckland, New Zealand — three preliminary regattas to practice in the new AC75 foiling monohulls in match race conditions.

The series, which runs until Sunday, will decide the seeding for the Prada Cup, which begins the quest for the ultimate prize, the America’s Cup, also staged in Auckland.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sir Ben Ainslie, who will skipper the Ineos Team UK team in the America's Cup World Series, starting tomorrow (Thursday).Sir Ben Ainslie, who will skipper the Ineos Team UK team in the America's Cup World Series, starting tomorrow (Thursday).

Great Britain’s latest bid to win the world’s oldest sporting trophy has been given the royal seal of approval.

The Duchess of Cambridge has sent a good luck message to the team.

A keen sailor, dressed in one of the Ineos Team UK crew’s jackets, the Duchess said in a video message: “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.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Duchess of Cambridge sent Sir Ben Ainslie a video wishing him luck.The Duchess of Cambridge sent Sir Ben Ainslie a video wishing him luck.

“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.”

The winner of the Prada Cup final in February will then face Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup in March.

Ben is one of the most successful sailors in Olympic history, winning medals (four gold) at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards.

Isle of Wight County Press: The racing yacht Sir Ben Ainslie will be skippering in his bid for America's Cup glory in March, starting with the preliminary competitions in Auckland, New Zealand.The racing yacht Sir Ben Ainslie will be skippering in his bid for America's Cup glory in March, starting with the preliminary competitions in Auckland, New Zealand.

He said: “Since the age of ten I had this ambition to be part of a British team and to win the America’s Cup for Britain is what motivates us — brining it back to where it first started.

“I don’t think I’ll stop until I achieve it.”