Ainslie Lands £110m Deal To Fund Second America’s Cup Bid

Britain’s biggest privately-owned company has teamed up with Sir Ben Ainslie in a £110m ($151.5m)-bid to win the 2021 America’s Cup.

INEOS are backing the 41-year old to finally land sailing’s oldest trophy, which has eluded Britain for its entire 168-year history.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Ainslie will skipper the 2021 boat.

New Zealand are the current holders of the cup competition, defeating Oracle Team USA in last year’s ‘Auld Mug’. Ainslie was Oracle Team USA’s tactician when it staged a remarkable comeback from 8-1 down to win the 2013 America’s Cup 9-8.

INEOS Chairman and keen amateur sailor, Jim Ratcliffe, said of the partnership: “With the skill of Sir Ben Ainslie and his team, I think Ineos Team GB has a great chance of success in 2021 and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”