INEOS Britannia aims to end 173 years of America’s Cup frustration as they face the ‘All Blacks of sailing’
by INEOS Britannia 11 Oct 04:19 PDT
37th America’s Cup Opening Press Conference – October 11, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
INEOS Britannia, the British Challenger of Record representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, is set to compete against Emirates Team New Zealand, known as the All Blacks of sailing, in its quest to secure the America’s Cup.
Following the team’s landmark win in the Louis Vuitton Cup, INEOS Britannia is gearing up to face one of the most accomplished America’s Cup teams in history, aiming for a third consecutive victory in this prestigious international sports trophy.
Sir Ben Ainslie’s British team enters the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match battle-ready after seven tough weeks of racing against four other competitors, culminating in a 7-4 victory over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. This triumph marked Ainslie and his team’s achievement as the first British Challenger in 60 years to reach the America’s Cup Match. The competition kicks off on Saturday, with the initial team to secure seven race victories taking home the Auld Mug and its accompanying accolades.
While INEOS Britannia fought for their spot in the match, Emirates Team New Zealand, a four-time America’s Cup champion, had their match participation assured. As the current Cup Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand benefits from various strategic advantages, allowing them to skip the challenger selection process and concentrate on perfecting their race equipment and performance.
INEOS Britannia CEO and Skipper Ben Ainslie commented: “Facing Emirates Team New Zealand is going to be incredibly challenging; they’re the top team in sailing. However, we’re fully prepared for the task ahead. While the Kiwis have had more preparation time, we have emerged battle-hardened from the Challenger Selection Series. We might be the underdogs, and New Zealand are the frontrunners, but I genuinely believe they can be defeated.”
The upcoming contest is set to be an exhilarating showdown as Britain strives to win sailing’s most prestigious trophy for the first time. The America’s Cup is recognized as the oldest international sporting trophy, with roots tracing back to 1851 when the New York Yacht Club bested other yachts round the Isle of Wight after being invited by the Royal Yacht Squadron. After 173 years and 22 challenges, Britain has yet to capture the trophy they played a role in establishing.
Ainslie stated: “The America’s Cup is rich in history and represents the one sporting accolade that Britain has never claimed. Our mission is to alter that narrative and put an end to 173 years of disappointment. It will undoubtedly be a significant challenge, but we’re ready to fight. We are immensely grateful for all the encouragement we’ve received, from everyone back home and in Barcelona cheering for us.”
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match starts on Saturday, October 12, at 13:00 BST (14:00 CEST), and UK viewers can catch all the live action on Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com homepages.
