While the sailing world’s attention is drawn to the looming decision in New York about the legality of the whole America’s Cup structure, there’s another AC legal battle “on foot” (as the lawyers like to say) in London.
THIS is the decision that if it goes the way it should, will be both stunning and hilarious at the same time.
Today – September 15 – is the deadline for INEOS to file its formal response with the Admiralty Court to an amended defence by Athena Racing in their dispute over who owns the AC75 Britannia and its associated assets and IP.
Athena boss, Sir Ben Ainslie, retained the yacht after the 2024 Challenge and has since renamed it GB1. For INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe claims the yacht has always been his property, was taken without permission, and cannot be used by Athena in the 2027 Cup.
As yet, no court date has been set to resolve this dispute and it is doubtful whether the matter will be heard before the Cup racing begins in Naples next May.
There is a potential opportunity for settlement if Athena was prepared to pay INEOS a fee for using the AC75. But knowing the huge egos and bitter animosity involved, any resolution of that kind seems unlikely.
