In a surprising turn of events, Sir Ben Ainslie, one of the most celebrated names in British sailing, has announced the launch of his new America’s Cup team, Athena Racing, following the dissolution of his partnership with INEOS Britannia.
This announcement was made in direct response to a statement from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which revealed their plans to challenge for the 38th America’s Cup under the INEOS Britannia banner without Sir Ben Ainslie at the helm. INEOS has appointed Dave Endean as CEO and will continue its collaboration with the Mercedes F1 Team, aiming to build on its achievements in the 37th America’s Cup.
In their statement, Athena Racing expressed astonishment at INEOS’s announcement, citing “significant legal and practical obstacles” that could impact the viability of INEOS Britannia’s campaign. These issues, according to Athena Racing, will unfold over the coming days and weeks.
Athena Racing: A New Vision for British Sailing
The establishment of Athena Racing marks a new chapter for British America’s Cup ambitions, as the team will operate independently of INEOS. The name “Athena” reflects a deeper alignment with the Athena Pathway, an initiative supporting Britain’s Women’s and Youth America’s Cup teams. This unified branding underscores a commitment to fostering inclusivity, innovation, and talent development within British sailing.
Sir Ben Ainslie commented:
“The Athena Racing name represents a bold vision for the future of British sailing. By aligning with the Athena Pathway, we’re creating a comprehensive program that supports not just world-class competition but also the next generation of sailing talent.”
INEOS Britannia’s Bold Vision
INEOS Britannia, under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Endean, aims to capitalize on its achievements in the 37th America’s Cup, which included winning the Louis Vuitton Cup and competing strongly against the Defender. The team has already engaged a formidable technical effort, with over 100 scientists and engineers developing its AC38 yacht.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe remarked:
“We’re immensely proud of the progress we’ve made. For the first time in decades, Britain was truly competitive on the global stage, and we’re determined to take that momentum into the next challenge.”
What Lies Ahead
As these two powerhouse teams diverge, the 38th America’s Cup is set to feature a captivating rivalry between Athena Racing and INEOS Britannia. Both teams bring immense talent, resources, and ambition to the table, promising an intense battle on and off the water.
Fans of British sailing and the America’s Cup will undoubtedly watch closely as this new chapter unfolds. With both teams striving to bring the Cup home to Britain, the stakes have never been higher.
