In the high-octane world of professional sailing, Sir Ben Ainslie is no stranger to turbulence — but 2025 has tested even his legendary resilience.
Just off Manhattan, Emirates GBR raced at SailGP’s New York Grand Prix, a dynamic, high-speed event where F50 catamarans fly across the water at over 50mph. But behind the adrenaline and spray, Ainslie is facing his most challenging race yet: rebuilding after a dramatic and very public breakup with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos empire.
After years leading a £240 million America’s Cup campaign backed by Ratcliffe, the partnership collapsed earlier this year. The split—still tangled in legal complexity—left Ainslie’s Athena Sports Group scrambling to reclaim its position as Challenger of Record for the next America’s Cup. “Ultimately, we ended up with a different view on how to move forward,” Ainslie said, delicately.
Despite the off-water drama, Ainslie remains steadfast. “It’s really created a huge amount of resolve in the team,” he says. Now, Athena is rebuilding from the ground up—pursuing sponsors, training next-gen talent through its Athena Pathway initiative, and chasing the elusive dream of winning the America’s Cup for Britain.
On the SailGP circuit, Ainslie’s team has seen its ups and downs this season. Olympic gold medalist Dylan Fletcher has stepped back in as co-helm, aiming to help Emirates GBR rise back up the standings ahead of a pivotal home event in Portsmouth.
Ainslie, now 48, is shifting from helm to leadership—but don’t count him out just yet. “I would definitely say I put myself down as Plan B as a sailor,” he admits, grinning.
As SailGP grows in global popularity and the next America’s Cup looms, Ainslie’s mission is clear: unify a shaken team, ignite British interest in the sport, and deliver on the dream that’s defined his career. He’s not walking away—not until the Cup is finally coming home.
