• Ben Ainslie ends his partnership with INEOS Britannia following a failed campaign in the 37th America's Cup.
• The split arises amid disagreements regarding the future direction of the team and its plans for the next America’s Cup.
• Ainslie’s team will now be named Athena Racing, as he expresses astonishment at the decision.
• Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s backer, lauds the team’s competitive spirit in recent competitions while shifting focus to future projects.
• Legal implications surrounding the split may emerge as Ainslie considers his next steps.

Ben Ainslie, the four-time Olympic gold medalist, has officially parted ways with INEOS Britannia, the British sailing team, amidst a wave of discord following their recent performance at the America's Cup. The announcement came after the team's entry into the final edition of the prestigious yachting competition, where they faced disappointment against Emirates Team New Zealand, resulting in a 7-2 defeat. This marks a pivotal moment after Ainslie led the team to its first final in 60 years.

The split is reportedly due to a failure to agree on the terms for moving forward after last year's event in Barcelona. Ainslie expressed his disbelief over the decision, deeming it both unexpected and legally complicated. He stated, “This plan raises significant legal and practical obstacles for them.” As a result of this split, Ainslie's new team will adopt the name Athena Racing, while INEOS asserts plans to advance under Britannia, vowing to continue their quest for the coveted trophy with a strong backing, including 100 scientists and engineers dedicated to designing their next yacht.

Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire backing INEOS, noted with pride the progress made in developing a competitive British yacht, which had not been accomplished in decades. He expressed hope for future endeavors, focusing on the goal of winning the trophy that has eluded Britain since the America's Cup's inception in 1851. This dynamic shift in Ainslie's sailing career opens new avenues for both him and the INEOS team as they navigate the complex world of competitive sailing.

For further details, you can read the full articles on BBC, Reuters, and AP News.