Kate Middleton spends a day by the sea in a boat-print dress and a new Max Mara coat

See Kate Middleton’s outfits from today’s appearance »

In her first public appearance since returning from Middleton family vacation in Mustique, the Duchess of Cambridge visited the 1851 Trust. The Trust, which Kate has been patron of since last fall, aims to inspire young people to get involved in sailing, something she’s big into (and great at!). Located at Ben Ainsle’s new racing digs in Portsmouth, Hampshire on England’s southern coast, the Trust is wrapped in with Britian’s aim to bring America’s racing cup back home, something which hasn’t been accomplished since back in, you guessed it, 1851.

During her visit, the Duchess helped complete a maritime mural, tried out whatever a “grinder” is, and as per usual, received flowers from a cute little girl.

Kate wore a beautiful new ivory wool Max Mara coat for the occasion, which she cleverly paired with a Somerset by Alice Temperley boat-print dress. All navy accessories perfectly complemented the maritime look, and included a few of the Duchess’s tried-and-tested favourites: her Jimmy Choo Georgia pumps, L.K. Bennett Frome clutch and her sapphire and diamond drop earrings. While the Insta-worthy look was perfect for the occasion, let’s just imagine Kate as a latter-day Coco Chanel in a jaunty striped boater, cropped pants and this straw hat, shall we?