The Briton who has ruled the waves at the last three Games is trailing class leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen after six races. If Ainslie loses his crown, he should get away from it all with a break in the British Virgin Islands.
What would you like to be good at that you’re not?
Languages. I speak a little bit of Spanish but not very well. I’d like to be able to master a few languages if I could.
What’s your first Olympic memory?
It was probably the 1988 Games in Seoul and, in particular, the 100m race which Ben Johnson won but was later disqualified for doping. I remember watching that quite clearly.
What about your first sailing memory?
That’s an easy one. It was when I was eight years old and I was first allowed to sail on my own in an Optimist dinghy. I’d done some sailing before but that’s the first early moment of my sailing career that sticks out. I loved that freedom from day one and I’m glad my parents gave me that.
What’s your bad habit?
I’m not sure. I think it’d probably be speeding both on the water and on dry land. That’s my main vice I’d say.
Comedy or crime when it comes to a film?
I guess it depends on the mood but more often than not I’m in the mood for a comedy. That’s my sort of thing.
Favourite film?
I’d have to go with Shawkshank Redemption. It might be unoriginal as I know it’s a lot of people’s choice but it’s a classic.
What’s your ultimate meal?
I’d have to say steak and chips.
And your ideal holiday destination?
The British Virgin Islands and not because it’s a tax haven. I’ve been lucky to go there a few times and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a stunning location, there’s beautiful reefs, it’s just a very relaxed placed to be. So I’d definitely pick that one.
