In an electrifying victory, INEOS Britannia has stormed its way into the final of the America’s Cup for the first time in 60 years, winning the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup after a nail-biting 7-4 victory over Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Led by Sir Ben Ainslie, Britain’s greatest sailor, INEOS Britannia has brought the nation one step closer to ending a 173-year dry spell in the world’s oldest international sporting trophy.
The America’s Cup, first raced around the Isle of Wight in 1851, has long been the trophy Britain has never managed to win—despite it starting here! But Ainslie and his crew are now just one series away from rewriting history, and they’ll begin their battle against Emirates Team New Zealand on 12 October.
Sir Ben Ainslie, the man behind the helm of INEOS Britannia, couldn’t contain his pride after the victory: “This is a massive day for our team. It’s not just about those of us on the water, but everyone back on shore, in Barcelona, and back in Brackley on the technical side. We’ve been building this team for 10 years now, and today is a day to celebrate for everyone who’s supported us, especially our fans, Jim Ratcliffe, and INEOS.”
British Powerhouse on the Seas
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the mastermind behind INEOS’ sponsorship, also chimed in after the win: “We’re incredibly proud of the team for winning the Louis Vuitton Cup. The Italians pushed us all the way, but now it’s time to focus on the real challenge—taking on Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup match.”
He went on to remind everyone that despite the celebrations, there’s no time to rest: “We’ve made huge improvements, but the job isn’t done. We’re going to keep pushing performance to be in the best possible position ahead of the Cup match.”
Race to Victory: The Decisive Final
It wasn’t just any old victory, either. INEOS Britannia led 6-4 going into the final day, needing just one more win to clinch the Louis Vuitton Cup. The final race was a masterclass in British sailing. From the start, Ainslie and his crew were clocking in at 40 knots, controlling the race from the first moment. They rounded the first gate 10 seconds ahead, but the Italians weren’t giving up without a fight, chipping away at the lead. On leg four, the gap was just a few metres, but a calm and aggressive display from the Brits saw them extend their lead to eight seconds by the end of lap three, eventually crossing the finish line 17 seconds ahead.
David ‘Freddie’ Carr, one of the team’s cyclors, roared with joy as they crossed the finish line, a scene that was echoed by jubilant fans across the UK.
Onwards to the America’s Cup
Co-Helm Dylan Fletcher couldn’t hide his excitement either: “I’m so proud of how the team has delivered. We’ve been building momentum, and I really think we’re progressing as a unit. It’s been a lifelong dream to compete in the America’s Cup, and now we’re ready to show what we’ve got against the Kiwis. Bring it on!”
It’s been nearly three years in the making for INEOS Britannia, with the team designing and developing their cutting-edge AC75 race boat, Britannia. In a groundbreaking partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s Applied Science Division, the team has pulled together some of the best minds from the marine and automotive industries to give the Brits their best chance at lifting the America’s Cup for the first time in its 173-year history.
From 12 October, INEOS Britannia will face the reigning champions, Emirates Team New Zealand, in what promises to be an epic showdown. Can Britain finally bring the America’s Cup home?
For more details check out: www.ineosbritannia.com
