England’s World Cup wait is nothing next to British sailing’s quest for the America’s Cup

By JOSEPH WILSON The Associated Press
Spectators watch the race between Ineos Britannia's AC75 and Alinghi Red Bull Racing's AC75 boats during the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta ahead of the 37th America's Cup sailing race off the coast of Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The world's oldest international sports trophy, best yachtsmen and cutting-edge design and technology will come together in Barcelona when the 37th edition of the America's Cup starts on Thursday. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Joan Monfort]

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — English soccer fans have been waiting almost a lifetime to win another World Cup so just imagine what British sailing fans feel when the America’s Cup rolls around. Their best yachtsmen have been trying for 173 years to conquer the Holy Grail of sailboat racing. Ben Ainslie is the most successful sailor in Olympic history. Now as skipper and team principal of INEOS Britannia he is heading the British effort to finally end the wait for the oldest international trophy in any sport. Ainslie tells The Associated Press his goal is to “get the America’s Cup back home.” INEOS topped the challenger standings in the opening phase and will be in the semifinals against Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing starting on Saturday.

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