The Duchess of Cambridge has become royal patron of a new sailing charity.

Kate, who is pregnant with her second child and suffering from severe morning sickness, described her love of sailing and said she hoped the 1851 Trust would inspire a new generation to take up the sport.

The 1851 Trust is the charitable arm of the British challenger's bid to bring the America's Cup back to Britain and is supported by Ben Ainslie Racing.

It will work with young people under 25 years old to encourage them to become involved in sailing and the marine industry.

In June, the Duchess joined Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, from Lymington, as he launched Britain's bid to win the historic America's Cup yacht race.

Sir Ben will skipper the team, which will be based in Portsmouth, that aims to triumph in the 35th America's Cup being staged in 2017.

The Duchess, who has not been seen in public since the news of her pregnancy was announced, said in a statement released by Kensington Palace: ''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.''

Kensington Palace said the patronage reflected the Duchess's personal interests in sailing and in supporting children and young people to build their skills, confidence and aspirations.

During her gap year, the Duchess crewed on round-the-world challenge boats in the Solent.

In April this year, she took the helm of an 80ft America's Cup sailing boat for two three-mile races in Auckland against her husband the Duke of Cambridge. She won 2-0, punching the air in triumph each time.

Former Channel 4 boss Lord Grade, a board member of Britain's bid to win the Cup, said of the Duchess at the time: ''She's a keen sailor, she loves her sailing clearly, you can just tell. You can see it in her eyes.''

A British team has never won the America's Cup.The oldest trophy in sport was first offered as the One Hundred Pound Cup in 1851 for a race around the Isle of Wight, witnessed by Queen Victoria.

The Duchess is due to attend her first official engagement since she was struck down with morning sickness next week when she and the Duke of Cambridge formally welcome Singapore's president Tony Tan at the start of his four-day state visit to the UK.