Watching Oracle Team USA storm back from behind during the 34^th America’s Cup you cannot help be excited, inspired and stoked on the fact that it was one Mr Ben Ainslie who helped the team to victory.

Oracle Team USA – America’s Cup winners!

Literally flying around the course during the last race; in a 20 (ish) knot breeze (very nearly topping out at the pinnacle of the wind limit), both teams put on an amazing display of high energy, exciting sailboat racing that had many spectators gasping and holding their breath. In fact, Oracle Team USA nearly stacked it just after the race began as a wave clipped them side on and nearly sent the boat cartwheeling. But they recovered, overtook their opponents, blasted upwind and stormed across the finish line.

Many are already calling the 34^th America’s Cup the best and most exciting yet – everyone is revelling in the success of the event.

Watching proceedings unfold via the YouTube live feed I couldn’t help but feel that there was something missing. Many involved in the race, both out on the water and behind the scenes, come from British sailing. Ben Ainslie hardly needs any introduction. Had it not been for this Olympic medallist’s tactical brain then Oracle Team USA might not be waltzing home with the silverware.

Ben Ainslie – the tactical brains

It tells the world something when many ‘go to’ sailing industry professionals for an event such as the America’s Cup are Brits. The pedigree and success we have as a boating nation is second to none and I really feel that for the next America’s Cup we should have a representative team – something everyone is echoing!

It’s no secret that the amount of coin needed to be stumped up is hefty. The amount of cash that gets poured into the research, development and production of America’s Cup boats is significant. And then there’s the staging of the regatta itself…

Social media platforms were literally buzzing after Oracle Team USA crossed the finish line and I have to say I echo the views a lot of people were sharing.

There really is only one brand that would fit the America’s Cup, has the cash to cope with the monetary demands of the regatta and boasts a head honcho who has an affliction for windsports – ala kitesurfing.

Richard Branson and his company Virgin stepped up to the plate to support the recently held Virgin Kitesurfing Armada on Hayling Island. This kitesurfing event set out to get in the record books by having the largest group of kiters blasting over a mile long course. The group then turned downwind and whizzed along the south coast towards Lancing – no mean feat.

Branson turned up in true style via private helicopter and among 250 other kitesurfers completed the challenge – once again showing that he loves nothing more than excitement and doing something different.

Richard Branson at the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada, Hayling Island

With Virgin on board and a team of Olympic medal winning British sailors we couldn’t fail to nab the top spot at the next America’s Cup. It would be even sweeter to beat the Americans in their own backyard…

So come on Mr Branson, what do you say? Time to step up and get a Team Virgin GB boat and crew ready for the 35^th America’s Cup? Bring back the trophy to its rightful place – its country of origin.

Virgin Team GB for America’s Cup 35!