Sir Ben Ainslie
Sailing’s unrivalled champion
Sir Ben Ainslie, one of the most successful sailors in the history of the sport, has demonstrated exceptional skill, strategic brilliance and unyielding determination throughout his decorated career.
In sailing, precision is key to performance.
Sir Ben Ainslie
Legendary sailing career
Sir Ben Ainslie’s path from young sailing enthusiast to world-renowned skipper is marked by a long list of significant victories and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Off the water, the Englishman’s mentoring of young sailors and promotion of the sport continue to inspire the sailing community worldwide.
Conquering the waves with skill and determination
Sir Ben Ainslie began sailing at the age of eight. His talent and passion for the sport quickly became evident, leading to his first major honour at age 19, a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
He subsequently won four golds to achieve the outstanding feat of medalling in the five consecutive Olympic Games he competed in. He has made a significant mark in the America’s Cup, helping Oracle Team USA to triumph in 2013 as team tactician, and in 2024 leading the UK entry to the America’s Cup Match final against New Zealand. A four-time Rolex World Sailor of the Year, he races for the Royal Yacht Squadron, which Rolex has partnered since 1980.
Ainslie is the chief executive officer of the Great Britain team competing in the Rolex SailGP Championship. In 2025, he led Emirates GBR to its first-ever title, topping both the season standings and also the Impact League, thereby claiming the prestigious prize awarded to the team taking outstanding action to protect the planet and make sailing more inclusive.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has relied on his Rolex Yacht-Master 42. Its precision and durability have accompanied him through countless races.
Sir Ben Ainslie became a Rolex Testimonee in 2019.
