Sir Ben Ainslie has been left stunned after Ineos Britannia confirmed their challenge for the 38th America’s Cup would not include the Lymington sailor.
Ainslie, 47, claimed Great Britain’s 173-year wait for success would come to an end after falling short against Emirates Team New Zealand, who snatched the Auld Mug in October.
However, Ineos released a statement yesterday which announced they would be parting ways with Ainslie.
“Ineos will enter a challenge for the 38th America’s Cup under the team name INEOS Britannia after parting ways with Sir Ben Ainslie.”
“Unfortunately, Ineos Britannia and Sir Ben could not find agreement on terms to move forward following the conclusion of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.”
“Ineos Britannia has appointed Dave Endean as CEO, who brings immense experience in sailing and the America’s Cup.”
The four-time Olympic champion was brought on board by Sir Jim Ratcliffe back in 2018, helping the team get to their first final last year since 1964.
Ainslie had a chance to reply, through his Athena Racing team, and said: “The British Challenger for the 38th America’s Cup, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, was astounded to read today’s statement from INEOS and Mercedes F1 regarding their planned challenge for the 38th America’s Cup.”
“This plan raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them that will play out in the coming days and weeks.”
“Furthermore, Sir Ben Ainslie’s British America’s Cup team will be known as Athena Racing going forwards, aligning with the British Women’s and Youth America’s Cup team, the Athena Pathway.”
Although they have lost one of the strongest sailing candidates available, Ineos chairman Ratcliffe feels his team are in good stead for the road ahead.
He said: “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.”
“It set new benchmarks for British sailing, including winning the Louis Vuitton Cup for the first time, and taking races off the defender in the finals for the first time in 90 years.”
“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.”
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