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If you believe everything you read, the news that Sir Ben Ainslie had been removed from the team he skippered to the 37th America’s Cup Finals came as a surprise. That’s the message coming from this update:
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.
How did we get here? It appears that when Ainslie partnered with INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the 2017 America’s Cup, Ainslie signed over the rights to the team. Ratcliffe wanted control, which appears to have included team assets, with Ainslie now an employee.
As to why Ainslie got fired, another guess is that Ratcliffe recognized the challenge in both leading a team and sailing on the team. But Ainslie probably wanted to win as a helm, so the split occurred. Will Ainslie now start his own team? That is implied by Athena Racing, but starting over at this level isn’t how you win the America’s Cup after losing three times.
Interestingly, the INEOS Britannia website – www.ineosbritannia.com – now jumps to the Athena Racing website – www.athenaracing.com. Apparently, Ainslie held on to that asset.
Details: https://www.americascup.com/
Defender New Zealand will work with the Challenger of Record from Great Britain to organize the 38th America’s Cup. Anticipated to be held in 2027, the two teams have agreed on some details with the venue to be confirmed by June 2025 after Barcelona declined hosting another edition.
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