SIR Ben Ainslie has predicted an "exciting future" for his America's Cup team after they tasted success in the opening World Series round.

Poor weather conditions in Portsmouth cancelled the second day of racing on Sunday meaning the regatta was decided on results from Saturday, giving Land Rover BAR the overall victory.

The team skippered by Ainslie, who learnt to sail in Restronguet, had won race one and finished second in the next.

They competed alongside other teams looking to secure the famous trophy in front of huge crowds along the Hampshire coast.

After the racing was finished, Ainslie who led defending champions Team Oracle to victory in 2013 said he was delighted with the start to the campaign.

Ainslie, a former Penryn Junior School pupil, said: "I’m really proud of what the team has achieved this weekend, not just on the water but with our team here at the facility in Portsmouth.

"To win the first Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series of 2015 in front of our home crowd is massive for our team and sets us up for a very exciting future."

Gusts of up to 37 knots were recorded around Southsea Common on Sunday forcing the cancellation of the racing.

Among the spectators were Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, who used their visit to meet the sailors and tour the Land Rover BAR base instead.

The Duchess also presented the winner's trophy to Ainslie following the formal announcement of racing being postponed.

Gothenburg in Sweden will host the second round of qualifying next month.

Whoever wins the World Series will challenge Oracle for the cup in 2017, with racing taking place in Bermuda.