Great Britain, represented by Ineos Britannia, is led by Ben Ainslie, a sailor with an impressive history of victories. Known for his ability to unite teams and his fierce competitive spirit, Ainslie secured his last Olympic gold in the final moments of the London 2012 race. His motto is clear: it's never over until it's truly over. The Ineos Britannia team faced challenges in the previous America's Cup, but Ainslie openly acknowledged their mistakes and vowed to continue fighting. His relentless approach and work ethic are well-documented, and he has the experience of winning the America's Cup with Oracle Team USA in 2013.
New Zealand, represented by Emirates Team New Zealand, is captained by Peter Burling, a stark contrast to Ainslie. This matchup is a clash of sailing titans, as both are considered among the most successful sailors in recent decades. Burling is more reserved, often keeping his strategies close to his chest. His calm and methodical approach to the complexities of sailing is highly regarded by his long-time Olympic coach, Hamish Willcox. Burling has already won the America's Cup twice with Emirates Team New Zealand.
The Ineos Britannia team includes veterans who have been part of all three America's Cup cycles, providing crucial continuity. Some key members have been with Ainslie for even longer, contributing significantly to the team's success. However, there are also new faces, such as co-helm Dylan Fletcher, known for his talent in foiling classes and his passion for speed. Despite Giles Scott's absence as co-helm, his influence as the team's head of sailing remains substantial.
Burling's partnership with co-helm Nathan Outteridge is intriguing. They were Olympic training partners, with Outteridge and his teammate Iain Jensen winning gold at London 2012, while Burling and Blair Tuke took silver. Their history of racing and swapping medals for gold and silver in subsequent Olympics has fostered mutual respect. Burling and Tuke's long-term collaboration in boats suggests a deep connection.
The AC75 boats, first used in the last America's Cup, have evolved significantly. The Ineos boat, in particular, appears more refined, benefiting from collaboration with the Mercedes Formula One team. The Emirates boat, on the other hand, looks similar to its predecessor, which won in 2021. The defender's strategy often involves keeping their cards close, potentially disadvantaging them in the build-up competitions.
The startline tactics in the America's Cup are crucial, with teams entering the arena two minutes before the race, already in combat mode. The British team is known for their bold approach, and Ainslie's experience in close combat is evident. Conversely, Kiwi sailors are often calm under pressure, with Burling's strategy in the last America's Cup suggesting a preference for distance from competitors. This year, with boats likely closer in speed, tighter pre-starts are expected.
