BEN Ainslie’s America’s Cup boat today took to the water for the first time from its temporary base in Southampton.

The boat originally raced under BAR colours during the America’s Cup World Series in 2012-13, and has subsequently been modified to fly on hydrofoils.

Ben Ainslie testing his America's Cup boat on The Solent today.

 

Lymington-based Olympic legend Ainslie said: “Ten months ago we had nothing, so to be out there today foiling in one of these boats – after such a short time frame – is the result of a huge amount of effort from all of the team, especially the shore team and the designers.

“For us sailors it’s a real privilege to get out there and sail one of these boats.

“It’s been a great first day and it’s a good start, but it’s only a start and we have a lot of work to do over the coming months.”