America's Cup World Series 2020: Sir Ben Ainslie promises 'true spectacle' in Portsmouth as tickets go on sale

Sir Ben Ainslie’s vow comes as tickets for the Emirates-sponsored event, set to take to the Solent off Portsmouth between June 4 and June 7, go on sale at 10am today.

Portsmouth hosted America’s Cup races in 2015 and 2016 – drawing more than 250,000 spectators and an economic boom of £38.7m.

This year, the city is one of only two hosts outside New Zealand where visitors will get to see the new hi-tech, 75ft AC75 boats in action.

Start and finish lines off Southsea’s shore will keep all the drama close to home, while a festival-style race village shows it on huge screens.

Sailing buffs will also be treated to live talks with America’s Cup pros past and present, daily ‘dock out’ shows, expert analysis, access to team tents, global street food and high-end bars.

Five-time Olympic medallist Sir Ben, principal and skipper of Old Portsmouth-based Ineos Team UK, said: ‘We are really looking forward to competing in front of our home crowd again.

‘We are confident the racing will deliver a true spectacle.’

Culture and business chiefs hope the America’s Cup World Series will inspire a surge of Portsmouth-bound tourism, injecting millions into city firms.

With his sun-soaked terrace a stone’s throw from Southsea Common, Jolly Sailor pub landlord Ross McInally is poised to reap the rewards of the crowds.

‘America’s Cup days are very big for us – they’re one of our top trading weekends of the whole year,’ said Ross, the pub's boss of 10 years.

‘We’re very excited for this year’s event and to meet all the international crews and spectators. They could make it our best year yet.’

As well as looking for somewhere to drink, punters will also be on the hunt for a place to stay – a boost for hoteliers such as Farid Yeganeh.

He is the director of seafront venues the Royal Beach Hotel, in St Helens Parade and the Queens Hotel, in Clarence Parade, Southsea.

The businessman said: ‘We know that when the global media spotlight is shone on Southsea, all the businesses benefit.

‘Our seafront played a starring role in the D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations when leaders from around the world came here and we experienced our best weekend ever.’

Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet lead for culture and city development, is ‘delighted’ Portsmouth will play its part in the series.

He added: ‘America's Cup events attract a worldwide audience and we're looking forward to the city's waterfront being centre stage for this esteemed international sailing event.

‘The event is also significant for raising the profile of Portsmouth and its marine and maritime businesses across the globe.’

To book your tickets to the America’s Cup World Series, click here.

These are the teams set to compete in the 36th America’s Cup

FIRST contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is dubbed the oldest trophy in international sport and is seen by many as the peak of competitive sailing.

But while teams agonise over victory, Sir Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Team UK will feel there is more at stake when it comes to winning in Portsmouth.

This is because the event, which pre-dated the Olympics by 45 years, was first staged as a race around the Isle of Wight and skipper Sir Ben and his team are based in East Street, Old Portsmouth.

England has never won the America’s Cup, but has won series events, and has challenged the defending nation 16 times.

Ineos Team UK will compete for The Royal Yacht Squadron, which has its clubhouse at Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight.

For Emirates Team New Zealand, it will be Glenn Ashby leading the way as they race their AC75 Te Aihe.

The team will compete in the name of the the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, which is based in Westhaven Marina, Auckland.

New Zealand won the America’s Cup twice consecutively, in 2000 and 2003, and are the current trophy holders having also won in 2017.

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team will battle it out for Italy when the event comes to Portsmouth.

With its skipper, Max Sirena, the squad will race its AC75 Luna Rossa for Circolo della Vela Sicilia Yacht Club in Palermo, Sicily.

The team is the challenger of record of this year’s America’s Cup, but like the UK, has never won the trophy outright.

America is the most prolific winner of the trophy – with a total of 31 victories to its name – and will race with the AC75 Defiant in 2020.

The nation’s team, known as American Magic, is a new team skippered by Terry Hutchinson as it hopes to get its first win since 2013.

It will compete for the New York Yacht Club, based in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island.

Portsmouth will be the second round in the next America’s Cup World Series, with races in Sardinia in April and New Zealand, in December.

What happened in Portsmouth last time and what’s new now?

BACK in 2016, Sir Ben Ainslie said he had ‘never seen crowds like that at a sailing event’ when the America’s Cup came to Portsmouth.

His team, Land Rover BAR, successfully defended its Portsmouth title at the event.

It was the team's second home victory since its East Street base was launched in 2014 in the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge.

New to the 36th outing of the America’s Cup and the America’s Cup World Series is the AC75, the new class of boat competitors will race with.

Dubbed a return to more ‘traditional’ mainsails, the class comprises a boat with a single 75ft hull, known as a monohull, with canting ballasted T-wing hydrofoils on port and starboard topside longitudinal drums.

AC75 also has a double-skinned, semi-battened mainsail and no keel.

Hi-tech capabilities of the new class mean fans could see a new America’s Cup speed record be set on the Solent.

The America's Cup World Series will mark the first time the yachts have been raced.

The event is a prelude to the America’s Cup itself, which will take place in New Zealand in 2021.