A HAMPSHIRE-based marina operator has signed a six-year deal to become Ben Ainslie Racing’s official UK marina partner.

MDL Marinas, which has bases at a number of beauty spots across the county, is getting behind Hampshire’s greatest sporting sailor in his quest to bring the America’s Cup home.

To support the Team, MDL has provided essential access to the Solent, enabling Sir Ben’s team to train.

Ben Ainslie Racing has also been given access to MDL’s network of leading marina locations and facilities across the south.

Dean Smith, operations and marketing director at MDL Marinas, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as the Marina Partner for BAR and to be part of the winning formula to help bring the cup home.

“We are a long-standing British company and are proud to be part of this historical moment.

“We are planning a number of events and opportunities in and around our marinas and we will be getting our customers and teams fully involved in the excitement of it all.”

Sir Ben Ainslie said: “It’s great to have MDL Marinas on board as our Official UK Marina Partner. As the leading marina operator in the UK and the longest-standing British marina group, it was a natural fit.

“We are looking forward to closely working together on this momentous challenge.”