The backer of America's Cup challenger Team UK says he would love to see racing held in Britain - and it would be good for Team New Zealand.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Team UK. Photo: COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man and co-owner of chemicals giant Ineos, has told the [
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sailing/2021/03/24/sir-jim-ratcliffe-continuing-americas-cup-quest-chance-magical/ Daily Telegraph]; "I'd love to see it happen.
"I think it would be quite magical to have it in the UK after all this time, particularly after Covid. It would be a big thing for the UK, I think. But ultimately it's up to the Kiwis."
He thinks Team New Zealand would gain from a much-rumoured one-off between New Zealand and Britain off the Isle of Wight.
Ratcliffe told the Telegraph: "New Zealand are a commercially-funded team. Grant Dalton, their boss, does not have an Ineos behind him. This event, if it happens, would be a platform, which might help them raise funding to keep that team together."
Team New Zealand's Dan Bernisconi, Peter Burling, Glen Ashby, Blair Tuke and Ray Davies with the Americas Cup After beating Luna Rossa. Photo: Photosport
Almost immediately after Team New Zealand dispatched Luna Rossa 7-3 in the America's Cup, Team UK was named the next Challenger of Record.
And even quicker rumours began of a possible match between the defender and challenger of record to be held half-way to the next America's Cup.
In the Telegraph interview, Ratcliffe says a number of commercial partners, including broadcasters as well as the UK government and local bodies, could be interested in a Cup match in the UK - partly due to rejuvenate the economy after the ravages of Covid.
He has also said previously that he would like to see an independent governing body oversee America's Cups.
The agreement naming the next challenger of record says the AC75 class, featuring the foils and "flying" yachts seen on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland this summer, will remain for the next Cup.
And the syndicates will investigate cost-reduction measures.
But there will be strict nationality rules requiring 100 percent of the race crew to be a passport holder of the country of the team's yacht club.
American Magic has already indicated the New York Yacht Club will return to challenge again.