Sir Ben Ainslie robbed at knifepoint ahead of race

The most profitable Olympic sailor of all time is hoping to steer a British crew to a first-ever victory on the America’s Cup

EPA The French ship Orient Express and the British ship INEOS Britannia during the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta of the 37 America's Cup held in Barcelona, Spain, 25 August 2024. — The most profitable Olympic sailor of all time is hoping to steer a British crew to a first-ever victory on the America’s Cup

Sir Ben Ainslie has been robbed of his Rolex watch at knifepoint in Barcelona, forward of qualification races for the America’s Cup, Spanish media have reported.

The most profitable Olympic sailor of all time was threatened with a knife by a gaggle who took his Rolex, value €20,000 (£16,858), on Saturday evening, newspaper La Vanguardia reported.

The 47-year-old confirmed the theft in an announcement.

The four-time gold medallist is aiming to steer the British crew to a first-ever victory on the America’s Cup.

Sir Ben mentioned in an announcement: “Barcelona is a implausible host metropolis for the America’s Cup. The staff has felt welcomed and is having fun with our keep on this vibrant metropolis.

“Like in all massive cities, you might be affected by opportunistic crime and my state of affairs isn’t any totally different. This is now a matter with the native authorities.”

The 47-year-old received his final Olympic gold at London 2012

Getty Images Ben Ainslie of Great Britain celebrates overall victory after competing in the Men's Finn Sailing Medal Race on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on August 5, 2012 in Weymouth, England. — The 47-year-old received his final Olympic gold at London 2012

BBC News has contacted his staff Ineos Britannia and the regional Catalonia police for additional particulars.

On Thursday, Sir Ben will begin racing within the Louis Vuitton Cup – a collection of races to determine which boat will tackle defending champions New Zealand for the America’s Cup in October.

Sir Ben is the staff principal and skipper of the Britannia staff, which is backed by billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group.