America’s Cup: British challenge gets royal treatment

British interest in challenging for the 35th America’s Cup is rising as the country’s royalty is preparing for a “friendly” in New Zealand, reports the New Zealand Herald…

“Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker will join forces with the Duchess of Cambridge against her husband, Prince William, and Grant Dalton in two match races on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on Friday, The Diary has been told.

“The royal couple will board separate Team NZ America’s Cup yachts for two short, informal races off the Viaduct, alongside Princes Wharf. The public will be able to see the Duke and Duchess in action on the former America’s Cup yachts NZL41 and NZL68.

“Kensington Palace said the pair were ‘just a little competitive’, and the races will pit husband against wife, who are each expected to take a turn at the helm.

“Kate, who displayed a cheeky smile for bare-bottomed Warrant Officer George Mana at Government House on Monday, will be paired with sailing heart-throb Barker. That will keep the snappers happy.”

While this might appear to be a friendly between spouses, perhaps Kate is training for a showdown against sister Pippa Middleton, who was seen sailing with four-time Olympic gold medal champion Sir Ben Ainslie in home waters over the winter.

British tabloid media might be what the America’s Cup needs. Gossip mongers spreading words about Ben and Pippa, and Dean and Kate? There is no such thing as bad publicity, right?