Ben Ainslie Racing is the first America’s Cup team to land in Bermuda for training ahead of the 35^th event in 2017.

Having arrived over the weekend, the team has assembled two of their foiling Nacra F20s and will be taking part in a week-long training camp.

Ainslie, who played a vital role in Oracle Team USA’s win in 2013, is hoping to lead a British challenge to success.

Speaking about his trip to the island, the 37-year-old told The Royal Gazette in Bermuda: “It’s about learning a lot about the conditions on the water to help our team both in terms of sailing and design.

“We are still two and a half years away but all that period is going to be crucial, so we are very happy to be back in Bermuda and for us it’s the start of a long journey here.

“We’ve sailed here a lot and really enjoy the conditions and we are looking forward to getting to know everyone better in the community, which will only help us in the build-up to the Cup.”

The team’s arrival on the island comes a few days after the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) Portsmouth announced more details about this summer’s upcoming racing off the UK’s south coast.

Taking place between 23-26 July 2015, this will be the first of two ACWS events hosted by the city, with the second happening in 2016.

More than a half a million visitors are expected to descend on Portsmouth, with organisers aiming to create a “hive of activity” in the area in the build-up and throughout.

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Images: Somers Kempe