Ben Ainslie was deep in thought about his America's Cup ambitions when a group of men confronted him in Barcelona. After a challenging day, as he pondered the complexities of high-level sport, which involves layers of money, technology, and ambition, he was suddenly accosted. 'I was walking back with my wife and father-in-law from dinner,' Ainslie recounts. 'It was around 9.30 on a busy street near our residence. Four men tracked us, passed by, and then turned back. One grabbed my arm and tried to take my watch. I grabbed his arm to stop him. We struggled, and then I saw another man pull out a knife.'

It was a stark contrast to the serene morning in Barcelona where Ainslie now sits in his office. 'I let go of the watch and they fled with it. But they caught me at a bad moment. I had just had a difficult conversation, so I was in a foul mood. After they dispersed, I knew which one had my watch and chased him. It wasn't the man with the knife; he was long gone. The thief with the watch ran, and I chased him for about a kilometer.'

Ainslie, a 47-year-old Olympic gold medalist in sailing, chuckled when asked if he was gaining on the younger mugger. 'No, I was cursing my lack of fitness, but that might have been for the best. Catching him might not have ended well.'

This incident reflects Ainslie's character—friendly yet fiercely competitive. His focus remains on the America's Cup, a competition first held in 1851, which Britain has never won. Ainslie's team, Ineos Britannia, is currently tied 1-1 with Jimmy Spithill's Luna Rossa in a 13-race series. The winner will challenge Emirates Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.

Ainslie's journey is backed by Ineos, led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has invested heavily in the team's quest. Despite past losses, Ainslie remains determined. 'We've got a big budget, but every pound is focused on the technical program. We want to save money and be efficient, but we also need to care for our people. It's about finding that balance.'

Ainslie's team has also partnered with Mercedes's Formula One team, bringing innovations that make the America's Cup akin to F1 on water. 'My feeling is that Ratcliffe would like to continue investing. He loves the sport and the team's atmosphere. But ultimately, it's performance-driven.'

Ainslie admits the demands on him are immense. 'This year, I've spent about a week at home. It's tough on my family, especially with my wife, Georgie Thompson, taking care of our children. Modern technology helps, but it's not the same as being there.'

As crucial races approach, Ainslie remains committed. 'It's hard to switch off. Racing involves more than just the sport; it's about the team and the boat. I'm committed to winning the America's Cup, no matter how long it takes.'