Time to fly

Ben Ainslie Racing's AC45 get foiling

Today, Ben Ainslie Racing took to the water for the first time from their temporary base in Southampton, sailing their AC45, newly fitted with foils

The boat originally raced under BAR colours during the America’s Cup World Series in 2012-13, and has subsequently been modified to fly on hydrofoils.

Team Principal and Skipper, Ben Ainslie commented: “Ten months ago we had nothing, so to be out there today foiling in one of these boats – after such a short time frame – is the result of a huge amount of effort from all of the team, especially the shore team and the designers.

"For us sailors it’s a real privilege to get out there and sail one of these boats. It’s been a great first day and it’s a good start, but it’s only a start and we have a lot of work to do over the coming months."