America's Cup - Virgin considers backing Ben Ainslie, BAR
by James Quinn on 27 Jan 2015
Sir Ben launched Ben Ainslie Racing in June last year, with the Duchess of Cambridge, a keen sailor, lending her support. Getty Images
America's Cup 2017 - Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is considering backing Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup bid, in a move that would propel the fortunes of the Olympic gold medallist yet further.
It is understood that Virgin is contemplating providing financial support to Ben Ainslie Racing, the venture set up to win the sailing cup for Britain for the first time since losing the original race in 1851.
The Daily Telegraph (UK) reports that Sir Ben is believed to have asked the Virgin billionaire to consider backing the venture when he and his new wife, Georgie Thompson, spent time on Sir Richard’s Necker Island in January. The newly-weds had to be rescued by Necker staff after their boat, sailing in the British Virgin Islands near to Sir Richard’s private island, developed problems with its sail. The couple later thanked the Virgin Group founder.
The Telegraph understands that a final decision to back the America’s Cup bid has yet to be taken by Virgin Group. Were the decision to be made however, Sir Richard would join Carphone Warehouse founder Sir Charles Dunstone and a string of other business luminaries backing the venture.
Other well-known names to have offered support or sit on the board of Ben Ainslie Racing include Sir Keith Mills, the former deputy chairman of the organising committee of the 2012 Olympic Games, technology entrepreneur Peter Dubens and former BBC chairman Lord Grade.
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