Travis Perkins has been announced as a sponsor of the 35th America’s Cup World Series opening event, which is to be hosted in Portsmouth from 23 July to 26 July.

The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series takes place in Portsmouth from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26, 2015. It will be the first stage of competition for the 35th America’s Cup, which concludes in Bermuda in 2017.

The four days of sailing and competition will be complemented by four days of shore-side entertainment, including aerial displays, a ‘race village’ and live music.

Portsmouth will host six teams, comprising some of the world’s most successful sailors, racing in foiling AC45 catamarans, which ‘fly’ above the water, close to the shore off Southsea Common.

John Carter, chief executive officer of Travis Perkins, said: “Travis Perkins is excited to be supporting the event in Portsmouth in 2015 and 2016 as the Accessibility and Inclusivity Partner. As well as sponsoring facilities at the venue, we are also supporting the 1851 Trust's Portsmouth Sailing project

“The project will enable up to 1,000 young people from diverse backgrounds to take part in amazing sailing experiences. The program is designed to inspire, build confidence and develop new skills and complements our ‘building better, together’ ethos perfectly.”

The 1851 Trust, which aims to motivate a new generation of sailers and the marine industry professionals by providing education, skills and training, is the event’s official charity.