Isle of Wight primary school children sent a video wishing Amercia's Cup sailor Sir Ben Ainslie ‘good luck’, before his crucial race this weekend.

Children from seven schools in the East Wight have sent inspiring video messages to the Island resident (multi-Olympic medal winner and the most successful sailor in Olympic history), as he bids for victory in the ‘Prada Cup’.

Children from Haylands, Nettlestone, Newchurch, St Helens, Brading, Bembridge and Oakfield primaries all feature.

Their one-minute video has been sent out to Sir Ben and his team in Auckland, New Zealand - ahead of tomorrow's clash with the Italian team. 

The schools are all involved in the Sailing Programme, which has been taking primary pupils dinghy sailing off the Isle of Wight since 2017.

It started with just one school but has grown to involve seven and hopes to complete more than 1,500 free sailing sessions this summer.

The programme is partly funded by education charity the 1851 Trust, where Sir Ben Ainslie is a partron, alongside donations from Isle of Wight companies and members of Sea View Yacht Club, in Seaview. 

Sir Ben is no stranger to supporting Island youngsters. In 2019, he joined one of the classes for a special coaching session. 

Ineos Team UK (led by Sir Ben) need to win this weekend's competition, against Italian entry Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, in the best-of-13 race final.

If they win, they will advance to next month’s 36th America’s Cup — a battle royale against defending champions, Emirates Team New Zealand.

UPDATED: Watch as Ben Ainslie watches the children's video.