Following the announcement of the historic America’s Cup Partnership and a SailGP treble for Emirates GBR, Sir Ben Ainslie sits down with Georgie Ainslie on the Performance People podcast, in partnership with J.P. Morgan Private Bank, to discuss a momentous year.
Recorded shortly after Emirates GBR’s championship win in Abu Dhabi, Ben Ainslie shares candid reflections on the SailGP season, America’s Cup negotiations and his belief in the urgent need for reform for the Auld Mug.
“The governance of the America’s Cup… it’s incredibly quirky. That’s part of why it’s got the history that it has, but it’s also what’s held it back,” he said.
“If you don’t do this partnership… the America’s Cup will very slowly, very sadly disappear. If we carry on as we are it will… slowly peter out.”
Ben also revealed that the teams involved in the competition recognised the need for change: “Everyone that was racing in Barcelona agrees that something needed to be done.”
A breakthrough built on difficult conversations, Ben reflected on the intensity of the months leading up to this point.
“There have been some really difficult conversations in the last 12 months but it’s a great opportunity that’s now been created for the sport,“ he said.
Ben also reflected on Emirates GBR’s SailGP season – one that culminated in the team being crowned 2025 Rolex SailGP Champions, paying tribute to the entire squad, emphasising the relentless jeopardy of the format.
“When you look at SailGP there’s a lot of jeopardy… and for us as a team, our goal is consistently to try and get into that top three at the end of the season. If you can do that year in, year out, then odds on you’re probably going to do okay,” he said.
Ainslie reserved particular praise for Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher, whose progression he described as exceptional.
“He’s done an incredible job… It’s been really interesting to see,” he said.
“I didn’t really know Dylan until he started working with us a couple of years ago… but just to see the way he’s developed in the last couple of years, matured into that leadership role, it’s really impressive.”
Ben also pointed out Fletcher’s exceptional focus and preparation.
“His focus on that side of it… in the day, is way more than I ever did… It’s been really impressive to see how he’s applied himself to that with the rest of the sailing team.”
