Britain end 60-year wait to compete for America’s Cup by beating Italy
After a 60-year wait, Britain will be in the running for the America’s Cup once again, having clinched the win necessary to challenge the reigning champions, New Zealand, next week. "Just one more to go, lads," captain Sir Ben Ainslie urged his team as they crossed the finish line ahead of their Italian competitors.
Ineos Britannia triumphed in the first of two planned races, achieving a 7-4 win against Luna Rossa in Barcelona. This victory in the best-of-13 series allowed them to claim the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Ainslie, who has won four Olympic gold medals in sailing, is set to compete for the Auld Mug against the New Zealand team in the America’s Cup, starting on October 12 in Barcelona. If he succeeds, it would mark the first win for British sailing since the tournament started in 1851. The last time a British team participated in the America’s Cup was in 1964, when a boat was helmed by Sir Peter Scott, the son of the renowned Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Scott.
"It’s been some time,” Ainslie commented regarding the wait from the British team. “This is a significant occasion, isn’t it? These organizations are under a lot of pressure, having invested a tremendous amount of time and resources. It’s important to get it right and make it meaningful."
Ainslie is dedicated to the goal of "bringing the cup home" and is leading a campaign that exceeds £100 million in costs. "Today is an important day for our team," he told Britannia's technical and support staff. "This achievement is for all of you."
In the crucial race held in perfect sailing conditions, Britannia took an early lead over Luna Rossa, quickly establishing a considerable gap during the first two legs. As Britannia navigated smoothly through clear air, Luna Rossa struggled with turbulent conditions. Ainslie’s crew maintained control, with enthusiastic fans cheering and waving Union Jacks as they reached the halfway mark in front. The Italians pursued closely, narrowing the gap to less than 20 meters by the fifth leg, as the wind conditions seemed to favor them. However, they were unable to find a way to pass their rivals.
Luna Rossa hoped for a chance to overtake, but Britannia chose a cautious approach and widened the gap again. As they entered the final stretch, Britannia had a strong lead, with Ainslie steering skillfully and harnessing more wind, making it impossible for the determined Italians to catch up. They crossed the finish line well ahead of the pack.
Dylan Fletcher, who shares the helm with Ainslie and took home the Olympic gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, is set to face off against the sailors he helped secure a silver medal, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, who will head the New Zealand team next weekend. “Let’s take on the Kiwis!” exclaimed Fletcher, who was excited to finally be part of the team after years of requesting a spot. He expressed his joy at realizing “a lifelong dream” and is eager to demonstrate their capabilities in the upcoming America’s Cup.
Italy's seasoned co-captain, Jimmy Spithill, a two-time America's Cup champion with the United States, quickly declared his retirement, remarking, “It’s hard, but that’s how sports go, and it’s going to be a challenging few days for the team. The stronger team prevailed, and I want to give a big shout-out to Ben, Dylan, and the entire crew.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who co-owns Manchester United and the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team and has a stake in Formula One’s Mercedes team, recently celebrated a significant achievement outside of his lucrative petrochemical business. He was invited to come aboard from a gathering of spectator yachts to present the trophy that his financial support had helped secure. Ainslie expressed gratitude, stating, “Thanks to Jim and his crew at Ineos for stepping in and assisting us.”
