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Sir Ben Ainslie splits from Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Britannia race team after America’s Cup plan fallout




LYMINGTON’S Sir Ben Ainslie has split from former New Forest resident and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Britannia America’s Cup sailing team.

The four-time Olympic champion – who last year led the boat to Britain’s first final since 1964 – and the petrochemical billionaire’s relationship hit the rocks due to the plans for the next edition of the America’s Cup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Ben Ainslie high five during happier times (File picture: America’s Cup)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Ben Ainslie high five during happier times (File picture: America’s Cup)

Ratcliffe’s Ineos group have invested over £200m in pursuing Britain’s first-ever America’s Cup victory in the world’s oldest international competition, but cost-cutting aims reportedly led to the split.

In a statement released by Ineos, it was said that the two parties could “not find agreement” on “terms to move forward” following the team’s unsuccessful finale in Barcelona, which holders New Zealand won.

Ainslie’s team said they were “astounded” by Ineos’ plans for the America’s Cup, saying it “raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them”.

After the split, Sir Ben’s America’s Cup team will be known as Athena Racing, while Ineos plans to compete under the Britannia name.

Sir Ben Ainslie led Britain to their first America’s Cup final victories in 90 years (File picture: Ineos Britannia)
Sir Ben Ainslie led Britain to their first America’s Cup final victories in 90 years (File picture: Ineos Britannia)

Furthermore, Sir Ben’s British America’s Cup team will align with the British Women’s and Youth America’s Cup team, the Athena Pathway.

Sir Jim did not address the split in the Ineos statement, but he stated that he was “enormously proud” of “developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades” – a boat with significant local ties.

The Ineos Britannia boat was built by world-renowned boat builder and professional yachtsman Jason Carrington and his Hythe-based boatyard, Carrington Boats Ltd (CBL), and multiple Lymington-based specialists, Dan Histead (shore team), Antonio Martinez (sail design), Mark McCafferty (foil and structure design), and Ian Williams (sailing coach).

Since winning gold in London in 2012, Sir Ben’s goal has been to claim the America’s Cup for Great Britain. Last year’s attempt, which ended in a losing but valiant effort in the final, has ended in disappointment.



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