Sir Ben Ainslie is excited by Land Rover BAR’s first competitive step in their America’s Cup journey, but knows just how much work remains if they are to become the first British challenger to bring home the auld mug.
International sport’s oldest trophy was first staged in 1851 off the Isle of Wight, but it has not returned to British waters following that inaugural defeat.
It is a run Ainslie – winner with Oracle Team two years ago – is hoping to end in 2017, when the 35th edition takes place in Bermuda.
Having founded Ben Ainslie Racing in January 2012, the most successful sailor in Olympic history officially launched the team’s challenge in December 2013 and the progress since then has been remarkable.
A new, state-of-the-art headquarters has been built in Portsmouth and the team will step up their preparations this weekend as the south coast city hosts the first leg of the America’s Cup World Series.
“It has been a really hectic 18 months,” Ainslie said.
“To get this base together in 12 months has been a phenomenal job by the team around that.
“Building up the whole team – designers, sailors, the boat buil-ders – getting our testing boats out and now having the first America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth.
“It’s a big moment for the team. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go.”
The four-day World Series event in Portsmouth runs until Sunday and is the first time a British team has contested an official America’s Cup competition in front of a home crowd since 1851.
Up to half a million people are expected to descend on the city over the course of the event, which will return next summer.
“It is really exciting for the whole team to be on the eve of the America’s Cup World Series – the first event here in Portsmouth,” Ainslie said.
“To have these home spectators, fans supporting us, is what it is all about for us. We can’t wait to get out there and get racing.
“It is going to be absolutely spectacular. The boats go up to 40 miles per hour, which for a sailing boat, believe me, that’s pretty impressive and it makes for incredibly exciting.”