Barcelona, August 30, 2024 — Sir Ben Ainslie, the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, has been robbed of his Rolex watch at knifepoint in Barcelona, according to Spanish media reports.
The incident occurred on Saturday night, just days before Ainslie and his team are set to compete in the qualification races for the America’s Cup.
The theft, which took place near a swimming club close to the British team’s base in the city, has shocked both the sailing community and local residents.
A group of assailants reportedly threatened Ainslie with a knife before making off with his Rolex watch, valued at approximately €20,000 (£16,858). The robbery was first reported by the newspaper La Vanguardia.
Ainslie, who is a four-time Olympic gold medallist and is currently leading the Ineos Britannia team in their quest for America’s Cup glory, confirmed the incident in a statement. Despite the traumatic experience, he expressed his appreciation for Barcelona as a host city.
“Barcelona is a fantastic host city for the America’s Cup,” Ainslie said in a statement to BBC News. “The team has felt welcomed and is enjoying our stay in this vibrant city.
Like in all big cities, you can be affected by opportunistic crime, and my situation is no different. This is now a matter with the local authorities.”
The robbery occurred amid heightened security measures in Barcelona, which is hosting the America’s Cup qualification races. The Catalonia police, Mossos d’Esquadra, have launched an investigation to identify and locate the suspects involved in the theft.
A police spokeswoman confirmed the incident and noted that it is being investigated within the context of the broader security operations for the prestigious sailing event.
“Mossos d’Esquadra became aware of the theft with intimidation of a luxury watch from a man linked to an America’s Cup competition team, within the framework of the security device established in Barcelona on the occasion of this sporting event,” the spokeswoman said.
The incident comes as Ainslie prepares to lead the Ineos Britannia team in the Louis Vuitton Cup, a series of races that will determine which boat will face defending champions New Zealand in the America’s Cup final scheduled for October.
Sir Ben’s team, backed by billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group, is one of the favorites for the competition.
Ainslie, who won his last Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games, is widely regarded as one of the greatest sailors of all time. His leadership and experience are key assets for the Ineos Britannia team as they seek to achieve a historic first victory in the America’s Cup.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in Barcelona, especially in the vicinity of major international sporting events.
Local authorities and event organizers have been working to ensure a secure environment for athletes, teams, and spectators. However, the robbery highlights the potential risks associated with large-scale events and the challenges of maintaining security in a bustling city.
In response to the incident, BBC News has reached out to the Ineos Britannia team for further details and any additional statements regarding the impact of the robbery on their preparations. The team has yet to release a comprehensive response.
As Ainslie and his team prepare for the upcoming races, the focus will likely shift back to the competitive aspects of the America’s Cup. However, the robbery serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life in a major city and the need for continued vigilance and security.
With the Louis Vuitton Cup set to begin on Thursday, Ainslie’s team will need to put the recent events behind them and focus on their performance in the races.
The road to the America’s Cup promises to be both challenging and exhilarating, with Ainslie’s leadership and experience expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for success.
The investigation into the robbery is ongoing, and local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
As Barcelona continues to host the America’s Cup events, both the public and participants will be watching closely for updates on the investigation and any further developments related to the theft.
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