Ben Ainslie is sprayed with champagne by Britannia team-mates and owner Jim Ratcliffe (top centre). Photo: Photosport
Decorated British sailor Sir Ben Ainslie has parted ways with Britannia in a major change of direction for the beaten America's Cup finalists.
In a statement, Ineos Britannia team owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed Britannia would launch a challenge at the next America's Cup but said 47-year-old Ainslie would not be at the helm.
Ineos said in a statement that they could "not find agreement" with Ainslie on "terms to move forward" after last year's regatta in Barcelona, where Team New Zealand beat Britannia 7-2 in the Cup match.
Ben Ainslie and Peter Burling. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Four-time Olympic champion Ainslie reportedly had a strained relationship with wealthy businessman and Manchester United co-owner Ratcliffe around plans for the next America's Cup.
Ainslie was the team's principal and skipper having joined up with Ratcliffe in 2018 in a bid to deliver the "Auld Mug" to Great Britain for the first time.
Ratcliffe did not address the split with Ainslie directly but said he was "enormously proud" of "developing a British boat that was truly competitive for the first time in decades".
Ainslie won medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards, including gold at four consecutive Games from 2000 to 2012.
Since winning gold at London 2012, Ainslie's goal has been to claim the America's Cup for Great Britain but all his attempts in a British boat, including those backed by Ineos, have ended in disappointment.
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