Ainslie: America’s Cup race is scary

Sir Ben Ainslie said the thrilling America’s Cup comeback was ‘one of the most exciting’ experiences of his life.

Facing questions from young sailors at the Ben Ainslie Sailing Racing Team clinic, the topic on everyone’s lips was ow Team Oracle USA, inspired by Ainslie’s mid-race introduction as tactician, came back to beat Team New Zealand after being 8-1 behind.

Asked what it was like to steer the AC72, he said: “40 knots… 50 miles per hour.

“When the boat went up on the foils and the wind was in your face, it was amazing.

“We couldn’t hear each other and had to use mikes and earbuds.

“Because of the speed and tenderness and quick response required, the helmsman had to trim the daggerboards. 

“We had a keypad and driving was like steering and playing Nintendo at the same time. The AC72’s are very extreme boats,” said Ainslie. “Scary. Amazing boats to sail.” 

Ainslie went on to explain to the young sailors that the America’s Cup is a development race. 

When Oracle capsized in November 2012 that hurt their development programme. 

He said: “We had slow going in the first races, but the team didn’t give up. We worked hard in our development programme to gain speed. We started sailing better, too.”