HAMPSHIRE sailing legend Ben Ainslie has warned the next America’s Cup competition could potentially damage the sport.

Ainslie, pictured, said that in its pursuit of making the America’s Cup, the most sought-after trophy in sailing, more commercially viable, the regatta organisers could “take away the essence of the true sporting challenge”.

Team Origin, the British challengers led by Ainslie, recently announced they would not compete for the 34th America’s Cup.

The cup holders, American team BMW Oracle, said the next Cup would be raced in giant multihulls with wing sails, a far cry from the classic days of the regatta when it was sailed in 12 Metres.

Ainslie said: “It was a bold move to move the America’s Cup into the realm of multihulls. I believe a large part of this decision was to do with the ongoing commercialisation in the sport of sailing.

“I fully accept the need to make our sport more spectator-friendly and commercially viable but there is also a danger of taking away the essence of the true sporting challenge. There is a fine balance between the two and I hope the 34th America’s Cup manages to develop great racing which encapsulates the media and sailing audience.”