The world’s most successful
Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie has confirmed plans to base an America’s Cup
team on the south coast of England.

The Lymington yachtsman is putting
together a UK team to challenge for the prestigious sailing prize.

Ben Ainslie Racing company has submitted
a planning application to Portsmouth City Council to build his team HQ on East
Street in the city.

A
team spokesman said: ‘Ben Ainslie Racing would like to establish a base on the
south coast, and a number of sites are currently being considered. The site at
Camber Quay in Old Portsmouth is one site under consideration along with two
sites in Southampton.

‘Planning
consent is being sought for the site, so that should the decision be made to
progress with the project in Portsmouth then work can start as soon as
possible.

‘The proposals at Camber Quay are for a fully sustainable team base,
built to BREAAM excellent standards, and would incorporate the team’s sailing
operations, R&D, boatbuilding, sports science and fitness facilities, along
with a controlled visitors centre to showcase innovation and technology along
with developing skills required for campaign’s success.’

Proposals for a large base proposed for
the Old Portsmouth area were recently shown to residents in a display at the Royal Naval
Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club.

The plans have been drawn up by
Fareham-based HGP Architects, which designed the Spinnaker Tower, Port Solent
and the Sails of the South.

Last year Sir Ben won the America’s Cup as
navigator on board the US boat Oracle but now his sights are set on winning the
prestigious trophy for Great Britain.

The competition first took place off the Isle of
Wight in 1851, but it has never been won by Britain.

Announcements
will soon be made about Sir Ben’s America’s Cup team and sponsors, with
all members expected to be British. His AC62 designers will also be unveiled.

The
team and new office premises near Southampton plus Sir Ben’s Extreme Sailing
Series campaign, which has boosted his experience of helming multihulls, has been
funded mainly by two of British sailing enthusiasts Sir Charles Dunstone,
co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, and entrepreneur Sir Keith Mills.

Both
magnates have publicly supported the idea of bringing the America’s Cup back to
Britain.

Images: Artist impressions of the proposed Ben Ainslie Racing AC team base at Portsmouth