Ahoy there, Duchess! 

For her royal appearance for the launch of Britain’s bid for the America’s Cup 2017 at the National Maritime Museum in London on Tuesday, June 10, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton looked the part in a nautical black and white Jaeger dress.

The never-worn short-sleeved frock featured contrasting black trim along the neckline, arms and waistband. The Duchess, 32, paired the high street dress with her blue suede shoes by Alexander McQueen and the “Muse” cluctch by Russell & Bromley.

In addition to meeting with the team, Middleton chatted with Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie, 37. “She was asking lots of technical questions; she knew her stuff,” the sailor said. “We were all sharing sailing stories, and I think her sailing comes from her family.”

While Ainslie didn’t elaborate whether Middleton relayed the tale of how she beat husband Prince William in a sailing race during their April 2014 tour of Australia, he did express his gratitude for having the Duchess’ support. “It means a lot to have her here,” he said. “We’re a British team so to have Her Royal Highness behind the team really gives us a new sense of pride.”

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Echoed Lord Michael Grade, also present at the launch. “She’s from a sailing family, and she loves sailing,” Grade said. “You can just tell she’s always been keen on it, and her face just lights up when she’s talking about it.”

Middleton also viewed the solid silver America’s Cup, designed and made by Garrad “Wow, I just met a princess!” Garrard CEO and American Eric Deardoff said.

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