GB1 Returns to the Birthplace of the America’s Cup with a Fan Zone at North Sails Cowes Week as Sir Ben Ainslie returns to racing
As Cowes Week celebrates its landmark 200th anniversary and the America’s Cup marks the 175th anniversary of the very first race around the Isle of Wight, GB1, Britain’s Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, will bring the excitement of the world’s oldest international sporting trophy to the heart of the regatta with an interactive GB1 Fan Zone in Cowes Yacht Haven.
Open throughout North Sails Cowes Week (1–7 August), the GB1 Fan Zone will give sailing fans and visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Britain’s challenge for the America’s Cup. Visitors can meet the sailors behind the campaign, get up close to the Louis Vuitton Cup and put their skills to the test on the GB1 AC40 Sailing Simulator. Fans are invited to beat the benchmark lap times set by Sir Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher MBE, with the fastest lap each day winning exclusive GB1 prizes.
Visitors can also shop the latest official GB1 merchandise alongside an exclusive capsule collection created in collaboration with North Sails, whose unrivalled 40-year America’s Cup heritage spans every Defender and Challenger in the modern era. The capsule collection features a limited-edition AC40 sketch design on the North Sails x GB1 crew neck t-shirt.
The North Sails Cowes Week Bicentenary regatta will also see Sir Ben Ainslie return to racing on the Solent alongside GB1 helm Ben Cornish aboard the Athena Pathway Cape 31 Fargo. The crew features some of Britain’s most exciting young sailing talent, including Kai Hockley and fellow Athena Pathway sailors, highlighting the programme’s commitment to developing the next generation of America’s Cup competitors.
Founded in 2022 by Sir Ben Ainslie and Hannah Mills OBE, Athena Pathway’s mission is to accelerate the development of British professional sailors, creating opportunities for young athletes to progress into the highest levels of international sailing while increasing diversity throughout the sport.
Sir Ben Ainslie, Dylan Fletcher MBE, Ben Cornish and other members of the GB1 sailing team will visit the Fan Zone from 16:00 BST for daily autograph sessions, photographs and opportunities to meet supporters.
On display will be the Louis Vuitton Cup, won by the British team in Barcelona in 2024, where they made history by becoming the first British team in more than 60 years to qualify for the America’s Cup Match and the first British team ever to win the Challenger Selection Series.
The GB1 Fan Zone opens on Saturday 1 August, with Sir Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher MBE hosting the opening public signing session from 16:00 BST alongside the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of GB1 and CEO of Athena Sports Group, said:
“Cowes is where the America’s Cup story began 175 years ago, so there couldn’t be a more fitting place to celebrate the history of our sport while looking ahead to its future. To be here during the 200th edition of Cowes Week makes it an even more special occasion.
“The support we’ve received throughout our America’s Cup journey has been incredible and we’re looking forward to welcoming supporters into the GB1 Fan Zone all week. Whether it’s seeing the Louis Vuitton Cup, trying to beat our lap times on the simulator, meeting the team or picking up the latest GB1 kit, we hope it gives everyone a real taste of what Britain’s challenge is all about as we build towards Naples.
“Congratulations to Cowes Week on reaching its 200th anniversary. It’s an amazing milestone for one of the world’s most iconic regattas. I wish everyone taking part a fantastic week of racing, and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the water and racing alongside you.”
GB1 Fan Zone Signing Sessions
Saturday 1 August – 16:00
Sir Ben Ainslie (GB1 Team Principal) & Dylan Fletcher MBE (GB1 Helm)
Sunday 2 August – 16:00
Tom Cheney (GB1 Head of software and Data), Finn Dickinson & Kai Hockley (Athena Pathway Development Sailors)
Monday 3 August – 16:00
Ben Cornish (GB1 Helm)
Tuesday 4 August – 16:00
Dylan Fletcher MBE & Ben Cornish
Wednesday 5 August – 16:00
Ben Cornish & Finn Dickinson
Thursday 6 August – 16:00
Ben Cornish