**Sail of the Century: Ben Ainslie Leads Britain's Pursuit of the Coveted Trophy** - Captain set to face New Zealand in the America's Cup - "The fact that Britain has never won is what drives us" In the inaugural race for the Royal Yacht Squadron’s £100 Cup back in 1851, 15 boats took to the water—14 from Britain and one from the United States. The lone contender was a 101-foot schooner named America, crafted in New York and brought over to showcase the skills of American shipbuilders. As one observer noted, America arrived "like a sparrow hawk among a flock of wood pigeons." Legend has it that when America crossed the finish line during the 53-mile (98 km) race around the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria, who was watching from the Royal Yacht, turned to a signalman and inquired about the boat in second place. The signalman reportedly replied, "Your Majesty, there is no second." America triumphed in that first race by a staggering 24 minutes, and nearly 200 years later, Britain has yet to claim the prestigious trophy, which was renamed in honor of the victorious yacht. The last time a British team had a shot at the America's Cup was in 1964, when Sovereign, helmed by Peter Scott—the son of famed Antarctic explorer Robert Scott—was defeated 4-0 by the American yacht Constellation. As the current captain, Ben Ainslie is determined to change this narrative as he leads the British team in their quest for the elusive trophy. The drive to win is fueled by the historical absence of a British victory, making this pursuit all the more significant for Ainslie and his crew.

**Great Britain vs. New Zealand: A Comparison of America's Cup Rivals** As the America's Cup approaches, a former Team GB sailor and London 2012 silver medallist analyzes the boats, crews, and strategies that will shape sailing's premier event. **Great Britain (Ineos Britannia)** Ben Ainslie stands out as a formidable competitor with a remarkable history of victories. Renowned for his leadership skills, Ainslie has a knack for uniting his team and is recognized for his fierce competitive spirit. His determination was on full display when he clinched his final Olympic gold in a dramatic finish at the London 2012 Games. Ainslie embodies the philosophy that a race is never truly over until the last moment. The Ineos Britannia team faced significant challenges during the last America’s Cup three years ago. However, Ainslie was candid about their shortcomings and committed to learning from the experience. His relentless work ethic and tenacity are key attributes that drive the team forward. Having previously won the America’s Cup with Oracle Team USA in 2013, Ainslie possesses the insight and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of this prestigious competition. As the rivalry with New Zealand heats up, all eyes will be on how Ainslie and his team adapt and strategize in pursuit of sailing's most coveted trophy.

**"We’ve Got Nothing to Lose": Ainslie Gears Up to Challenge Sailing's All Blacks** British sailor Ben Ainslie is gearing up for the ultimate test of his career as he prepares to face Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup, which kicks off this Saturday in Barcelona. Ainslie acknowledges the daunting challenge ahead, admitting that his opponents are "almost" unbeatable. However, he remains optimistic about his team's chances, emphasizing their tenacity and determination to pull off an upset. “We’re the underdogs in this, without a shadow of a doubt,” Ainslie stated confidently. “They’re the clear favorites, but that’s actually a good position for us. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose. This is an incredible opportunity, and we’re going to give it our all.” Ainslie, who has secured gold medals in sailing at four consecutive Olympic Games, recognizes that achieving a first British victory in the 173-year history of the America’s Cup would eclipse even his Olympic successes. It has been 60 years since a British team last competed for the prestigious trophy, which originated in the waters around the Isle of Wight in 1851. Ainslie and his Ineos Britannia team have recently emerged from a challenging qualifying series, setting the stage for this historic moment. As the competition approaches, Ainslie's focus is clear: to seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance and make history for British sailing.