SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is taking legal action to force Sir Ben Ainslie to give back the £180million boat they built together for the last America’s Cup campaign.
The billionaire businessman — co-owner of – funded Ainslie’s team for two America’s Cup cycles.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed he’s taking legal actions to ensure he gets back his £180m boatCredit: PA
Sir Ben Ainslie built the boat with RatcliffeCredit: AP
The first one was in Auckland in 2021 and then again in Barcelona in 2024 but both times the Brits fell short of victory.
Yet the pair have since fallen out and they are now going to fight over ownership of the mega-money boat.
The 38th America’s Cup will take place in Naples next year and Olympic hero Ainslie is involved in a new British outfit under the GB1 brand.
But Ratcliffe, 73, claims the vessel cannot be used without their permission – and must be returned immediately.
In a statement, the petrochemicals company said: “Ineos is surprised that the boat we built for the last America’s Cup (AC37) has been taken by Athena Racing.
“The boat belongs to Ineos and it is inappropriate to assume it can be used for the next competition without seeking our permission.
“The boat was the most successful British boat in history and cost Ineos £180million and evolved naturally from the first boat which cost a further £170million.
“Ineos is taking legal steps for the boat to be returned.”
There is further frustration for Ratcliffe, who is seeing his plans for a new stadium delayed due to issues over
The major setback means United’s targeted 2030 unveiling could now be pushed back by at least a year.
A new 100,000-seater stadium was originally expected to cost the club a mammoth £2BILLION — a figure revealed when the plans first emerged 12 months ago.
But securing the necessary land next to Old Trafford has become a major stumbling block, with the rail freight business behind the Stretford End demanding at least £400million to relocate.
Freightliner has yet to agree to the sale of its site, where a large part of the stadium and the wider Trafford Park regeneration project is set to be built.
And now the eye-watering cost is not the only major headache for club bosses — the timeline has also become a serious concern.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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