Land Rover BAR crowned World Series champions

Sir Ben Ainslie’s side secured the prestigious title after securing joint-first place from the final event in Japan.

The Portsmouth-based side toppped the standings in Fukuoka with Artemis Racing, with both teams finishing the six-race regatta on 75 points.

That was more than enough to see off the challenge of nearest rivals Oracle Team USA, who finished third (70) in the Asia round, in the race to be crowned overall winners of the two-year series.

And it will be BAR who head to Bermuda 2017 as favourites to lift the 35th America’s Cup following their 19-point margin of victory in the final standings.

Going into this weekend’s racing in Japan, Ainslie & Co had secured wins in Portsmouth (twice) and Oman.

They then made it four victories from the nine regattas after another impressive showing on Super Sunday in Fukuoka.

Sitting at the summit following day one’s races, BAR could only finish fourth in today’s opener – finishing behind winners Artemis Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand and Oracle Team USA.

But with double points on offer, they regrouped in race two to claim second place – again crossing the line behind Artemis Racing, with Oracle Team USA third.

It was still all to play for in the final race of the series.

Groupama Team France secured victory ahead of Softbank Team Japan,

However, BAR held their nerve to claim third place, with Oracle only managing fifth, and ultimately the pride at being crowned overall champions.