British heritage brand Belstaff have announced that they will be responsible for creating the official capsule wardrobe of the British sailing team INEOS Team UK – led by Olympic hero and Belstaff ambassador Sir Ben Ainslie – as they prepare for the race of a lifetime at the America’s Cup.
The sports hero has made history with four gold and one silver Olympic medals under his belt, and received a knighthood from the Queen for services to sport in 2013.
Despite its name, the respected sailing competition – the America’s Cup – actually started in English waters in 1851, when Commodore John Cox Stevens of the New York Yacht Club invited the Royal Yacht Squadron to a race around the Isle of Wight.
In front of Queen Victoria, the two teams competed for the Hundred Guinea Cup (as it was originally known), with the American team coming out on top.
The America’s Cup is in fact the oldest international trophy in world sport – pre-dating the Ryder Cup, World Cup and the modern Olympics.
“The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy and something that Britain’s never won,” stated Ainslie.
And it’s clear he wants to win it this time. The 16-strong INEOS team consists of some of the finest sailors in the sport, who will battle it out to be champions.
The capsule collection
For the collection, Belstaff have taken inspiration from the clothing worn by America’s Cup teams throughout history. The trans-seasonal pieces will be extremely durable and take the team from hot to cold climates. The navy, grey, red and orange hues evident throughout the selection is inspired by the team’s official colours.
Available to buy from April 2020, individuals can get their hands on the 23-piece capsule collection in stores, online and at the INEOS Team UK races.
Ainslie added how honoured he feels to be wearing the classic clothing brand, stating: “Wearing Belstaff makes me feel proud. It’s an iconic British brand that’s adventurous and always pushing the boundaries with innovation – just like us as a team.”
Bringing the America’s Cup to where it belongs
“This is an amazing boost for British sport,” Ainslie added. “With this significant commitment from INEOS to fully fund a two-boat challenge, Britain now has its best opportunity to bring the America’s Cup back home to Britain where it belongs.”
The 36th America’s Cup will be held in Auckland in 2021.
