British Allocate Approximately £130 Million to Address a Desire
Ben Ainslie, who's already tasted victory in the America's Cup with an American team, is now aiming to clinch the trophy for his homeland, Britain. The America's Cup, which was originally born in Britain but lost during the inaugural event in 1851, presents a golden opportunity for him to bring it back home. The competition on the water promises to be fierce.
Ainslie, who's achieved Olympic glory with four golds and a silver, has been chasing the America's Cup for 21 years. Although he helped Oracle Team USA win the trophy in 2013 as a tactician, his true dream is to bring the elusive title to Britain.
The 37th edition of the America's Cup, the most revered and ancient trophy in sailing, is set to commence from Barcelona this weekend. The first team to reach seven victories takes home the trophy. After two failed attempts under the British flag in 2017 and 2021, Ainslie's team, Ineos Britannia, has finally secured a spot in the America's Cup challenger round. In the Louis Vuitton Cup final, "Britannia" outmaneuvered the Italian "Luna Rossa", securing a place in the America's Cup final against New Zealand's defending champion.
Ainslie: "Historic Moment"
Ben Ainslie, the CEO, skipper, and helmsman of Ineos Britannia, along with his team, backed by British billionaire and businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are competing in the America's Cup final for the first time in 60 years. In 1964, the 12-meter yacht "Sovereign" had to bow down to the US yacht "Constellation". "This is a historic moment, and we want to make the most of it," said Ainslie.
At the same time, Ainslie is aware of the enormity of the task ahead. "Winning the America's Cup is so challenging, such a daunting task," he acknowledged. The estimated budget for the British campaign is over 130 million euros, although the exact figure remains undisclosed. James Ratcliffe, who also became a minority shareholder in Manchester United football club in 2024, states that to win the America's Cup, one needs "great drivers, highly experienced constructors, and a fully funded team. It's a blend of high technology and sport."
Over 100 kilometers per hour on water
For Britain to triumph in the America's Cup, leading yacht designers and top minds from the automotive racing world have collaborated. The America's Cup AC75 class yacht "Britannia" is a "high-tech foil". The single-hull boat glides over the water at speeds exceeding 55 knots (over 100 kilometers per hour) due to its foils. "Britannia" took shape over a three-year period under the leadership of German design chief Martin Fischer, who hails from Celle and resides in New Caledonia, and in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team.
The British projectile is steered by two pilots in modern America's Cup. The stationary, mirror-image sail crew on both sides of the boat is controlled by Ainslie and 49er Olympic champion Dylan Fletcher. Their respective trimmers are responsible for fine-tuning the sails and, through foils, the height of the boat. Two cyclists, hailing from other power-endurance sports like Olympic rowing champion Matt Gotrel, generate power to move the sails.
The British contenders are up against the four-time Cup winners from Emirates Team New Zealand. Their co-skippers Peter Burling and Nathan Outteridge, both Olympic champions in the 49er class, are gunning for a third consecutive Kiwi victory with "Taihoro". Britain, on the other hand, is striving for its first-ever Cup victory. According to international bookmakers, "Taihoro" is the favorite. However, Martin Fischer instills hope in the British side, saying: "I wouldn't say that the New Zealanders are as dominant as they were in the last Cup. I think we can be hopeful."
Ben Ainslie's team, Ineos Britannia, is clearly motivated to bring home the America's Cup trophy, having secured a place in the final after failing in previous attempts in 2017 and 2021. Following Ainslie's affirmation that this is a "historic moment" for Britain, their goal is to achieve what the 12-meter yacht "Sovereign" failed to do in 1964, and win against New Zealand's defending champions in the America's Cup final.
