Jim Ratcliffe Splits from Ben Ainslie, Targets America's Cup Victory

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has officially parted ways with Sir Ben Ainslie, declaring his intention to continue pursuing the America’s Cup without the four-time Olympic champion. This split follows Ineos Britannia's defeat in the Cup final last October, raising concerns about the future of the partnership and the ownership of the team's assets. Ratcliffe has invested around £200 million into the project and has emphasized his pride in the team's competitive performance, including winning the Louis Vuitton Cup. Ainslie, who has led the team in previous attempts, has expressed his readiness to compete again for the Cup, which could take place as late as 2027. The split may lead to disputes over intellectual property and team branding, as Ratcliffe aims to challenge in the next edition under the Ineos Britannia name. Both men had previously acknowledged the need for new sponsorship to support their costly endeavors in sailing.