South Coast: Ben Ainslie's America's Cup bid backed by PKF Francis Clark

A sporting challenge led by the world's greatest sailor is being cheered on with special reason by a South Coast accountancy firm. The qualifiers for the 35^th America’s Cup are now underway in Bermuda and, if all goes to plan, four times’ Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie could be lifting the trophy in late June.

Ainslie, who launched Land Rover BAR (Ben Ainslie Racing) two and a half years ago to bring the prestigious America's Cup back to Britain, is a long-standing client of PKF Francis Clark.

Martin Aldridge, partner and head of marine at PKF Francis Clark, said: “We’ve been involved financially behind the scenes from day one of Land Rover BAR with research and development (R&D), systems and VAT issues.

“With Sir Ben at the helm, the team is honed to perfection, supported by leading edge technology.

“This is an incredibly exciting project and PKF Francis Clark is very proud to be involved in such a piece of sporting history.

“With the race teams being so closely matched, all the preparation, design and testing will now come down to the very smallest of margins. Everyone in the firm will be cheering Sir Ben and the British team all the way.”

The America's Cup is the world's oldest continually held international sporting event, pre-dating the modern Olympics, Ryder Cup and the World Cup. It was first staged in 1851 and Britain has never won it.

The qualifiers are taking place in Bermuda until June 5 with the finals held from June 17 to 27.

Land Rover BAR was launched in 2015 with the sole aim of bringing the America’s Cup back to Britain.

The team was conceived by Ainslie, who won the 34^th America’s Cup, and has attracted royal support from the Duchess of Cambridge who is patron of the team’s official charity, the 1851 Trust.

Land Rover BAR’s multi-million pound purpose-built headquarters is sited at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. It has become the focal point for the design, construction and development of the team’s boats and also provides sports science and fitness facilities as well as a visitor centre.