ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

the first time he set sail by himself – in a dinghy – and
the feeling of exhilaration of being alone and in control
of a vessel. “I was eight years on, in an Optimist
sailboat, with about 35 square foot of mainsail area.
To be honest, I felt like the boat was guiding me, rather
than the other way round, but it was an experience I
will never forget. It was very special.”
Wind forward two decades and Ainslie would find himself
battling fierce competitors in the America’s Cup, or
navigating the treacherous waters of the Southern
Ocean, a progression that became about far more than
just being a sailor and a boat; more an adventurer
confronting nature in its rawest form.
For the now-46-year-old, sailing is more than a sport;
it’s an art, a virtuosity of understanding the waves,
reading the air conditions and, most importantly,
understanding oneself.
“To truly excel as a racing sailor, one very crucial thing
is to develop an intuitive understanding of the wind,
interpreting its patterns on the water and in the
clouds, and predicting its next move.
“I like to refer to it as almost akin to playing chess on
water. Learning the mastery required greatly enhances
your tactical prowess in the sport and, arguably, more
importantly, your enjoyment too!”
Ainslie, who retired from competitive sailing after London
2012, was helped in his accomplishment on the waves
by the fact academic success eluded him in his younger
days. He quickly realised he didn’t need to excel in the
classroom if there was somewhere
else he could shine – a sanctuary on
the seas. “I think education never
gave me the sense of fear and
dread, and once you’ve tapped into
the thrill of those feelings, and
conquered them, very few things
of a traditionally academic level
will motivate you.
“I admire anyone in life who learns
and builds knowledge, but for me
there was more of an innate survival
buzz that I couldn’t replicate anywhere
else, and that’s still the thing that drives me
on today. Whether you’re against the elements, the
clock or a competitor, it’s a massive adrenaline kick
and I think I’ll always feel that way.
“Ultimately, as years roll by, I’ve come to appreciate
the precious chances that came my way,” he continues.
“And life has taught me that when a golden opportunity
knocks, you must embrace it fully. Such moments might
not repeat often and maximising them has always
been my ultimate motivation.”
In that 1993 race, Ainslie was just 16 when he set
out at the Laser Radial World Championships in the
ILCA 6 class, although he already had four years’
experience competing internationally having raced for
Optimist honours from the age of 12.
The race that made Ainslie a true force to be reckoned
with took place in Takapuna, on the North Shore of
Ben Ainslie is the
Team Principal and
Skipper of INEOS
TEAM UK for the
37th America’s Cup
being held between
August and October
2024 in Barcelona
92 | AUTUMN 2023 | ONBOARD