As Stage 8 of the Tour of Britain wound its way around Greater Manchester yesterday, the riders were greeted at various locations along the route by placard waving, devil-mask wearing protestors.

Sir Ben Ainslie is a man in a hurry, with a never-ending to do list and not enough hours in the day.

The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Patron of the 1851 Trust, which works with under-25s to inspire them to take to the sea – visited the South Coast on Thursday see the progress being made on the Ben Ainslie Racing base, due for completion in May ahead of crucial qualifiers.

Determined to win sailing’s prestigious prize with a British-based team, the 37-year-old is now behind the bid to win the 35th edition of the America’s Cup in 2017 with his Ben Ainslie Racing Team

Top sailor Sir Ben Ainslie launches British America’s Cup team.