Ben Ainslie robbed in Barcelona

Spanish news source La Vanguardia is reporting how Ben Ainslie, 47, leader of the America’s Cup entry INEOS Britannia, was mugged while leaving dinner at a restaurant near Colón, and had his Rolex watch taken.

La Vanguardia stated that Ainslie was assaulted on Saturday night (August 24) by a group of individuals who threatened him with a knife to steal his watch valued at around 20,000 euros. This wasn’t the first one he had been robbed of, but the second, though he chose not to report the first assault.

“Barcelona is a fantastic host city for the America’s Cup,” said Ainsle. “The team has felt welcomed and is enjoying our stay in this vibrant city. Like in all big cities, you can be affected by opportunistic crime and my situation is no different. This is now a matter with the local authorities.”

Ainslie will be subpoenaed to testify next week to submit his statement. The America’s Cup event has a significant security operation led by the Mossos d’Esquadra and involving the Guardia Civil, Guardia Urbana, National Police, Port Police, as well as numerous private security services.

Viewing details – Race information – Weather forecast

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

Races start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and run until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home