In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the competitive sailing world, Sir Ben Ainslie, Britain’s most decorated Olympic sailor, has been unceremoniously dropped by Ineos Britannia ahead of their challenge for the 38th America’s Cup. The four-time Olympic gold medalist, who had been spearheading the British team’s efforts to bring the coveted trophy back to the UK for the first time in its 173-year history, was left “astounded” by the abrupt decision.
The bombshell announcement came directly from Ineos, the multinational chemicals company owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In a terse statement, Ineos revealed that after the conclusion of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona last year, where Ainslie’s team suffered a hard-fought 7-2 defeat to Emirates Team New Zealand, they were unable to “find agreement on terms to move forward” with the celebrated sailor.
Ainslie Blindsided, Vows Legal Challenge
For his part, Ainslie appeared completely blindsided by Ineos’ decision. In a strongly worded response, his team declared themselves “astounded” by the news and hinted at potential legal action:
“This plan raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them that will play out in the coming days and weeks.”
– Sir Ben Ainslie’s sailing team
The Olympic legend, who had previously helped lead the Oracle Team USA to victory in the 2013 America’s Cup, had been singularly focused on ending Britain’s nearly two-century drought in the prestigious competition. Under Ainslie’s leadership, Ineos Britannia had finally managed to mount a credible challenge, winning the Louis Vuitton Cup and taking multiple races off the defending Kiwis in a hotly contested final series.
Ineos Moves Forward, Ainslie Forms Athena Racing
Despite the acrimonious split with their star helmsman, Ineos Britannia appears determined to push ahead with their campaign for the 38th America’s Cup. The team announced the appointment of Dave Endean as CEO and reaffirmed their partnership with the Mercedes F1 team for technical expertise. Sir Jim Ratcliffe struck an optimistic tone:
“I am enormously proud of what we achieved in Barcelona in developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades… We will now build upon this for the 38th America’s Cup through the Ineos challenge and already have 100 scientists and engineers working on the design of our AC38 yacht.”
– Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos Chairman
As for Ainslie, he wasted no time in announcing the formation of his own team, Athena Racing, which will align with the existing British Women’s and Youth America’s Cup squads. The move sets up a tantalizing potential rivalry between teacher and pupil, as Ainslie had personally recruited and groomed many of the young sailors now under the Athena banner.
A Fractured Future for British Sailing
The sudden souring of relations between Ainslie and Ineos marks a stunning twist in what had been one of the feel-good stories of the last America’s Cup cycle. With the British sailing community now fractured between two competing factions, it remains to be seen whether either camp can mount a unified campaign capable of wresting the Auld Mug from the grasp of the seemingly invincible Kiwis.
As the dust settles on this dramatic schism, one thing is clear: the already treacherous waters of the America’s Cup have become even more turbulent. With battle lines drawn and old alliances shattered, the 38th edition of sailing’s marquee event is shaping up to be an unpredictable and emotionally charged affair. While Britannia may yet rule the waves, it appears her favorite son will not be the one steering her there.
