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America's Cup stays in America

Hampshire sailor, Sir Ben Ainslie, is celebrating tonight after helping the Oracle Team USA retain the America's Cup in San Francisco Bay, USA.

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Sir Ben Ainslie brings America's Cup success to the USA

Lymintgon's Sir Ben Ainslie has helped steer Oracle Team USA to the 34th America's Cup, completing one of the most remarkable sporting comebacks of all time.

Only last Wednesday the team were 8-1 down to Emirates Team New Zealand, who needed just one race win to secure the trophy.

However, San Francisco Bay witnessed an incredible comeback as defender Oracle won eight consecutive races on match point to close out the series. Great Britain's four-time Olympic gold medallist Ainslie played a key role in turning the event around after being called up from the warm-up crew.

It was a fantastic race - we wouldn't have it any other way. We came from behind, the guys showed so much heart. On your own you're nothing, but a team like this can make you look great. We were facing the barrel of a gun at 8-1 and the guys didn't even flinch.

– Jimmy Spithill, Oracle Team USA skipper

It's Team US-Ainslie!

Oracle Team USA celebrates as they successfully defend Emirates Team New Zealand's challenge Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

The crew on Oracle Team USA celebrates after winning the 19th race against Emirates Team New Zealand to win the America's Cup sailing event - they had been losing 8-1 until Sir Ben Ainslie was put in charge of tactics.

The winning team retains the oldest trophy in sport - the Auld Mug - first awarded off the Isle of Wight Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
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