Ainslie launches big week in Brum

SAILING legend Sir Ben Ainslie was on hand over the weekend to officially open the MACH 2018 event.

MACH 2018 began at the NEC in Birmingham on April 9, and runs until April 13 later this week.

The Macclesfield sailor has a keen interest in manufacturing and the technology behind it, with his British America’s Cup team, Land Rover BAR employing the latest manufacturing processes in the creation of their foiling race boat for the America’s Cup.

Ainslie is the most successful sailor in Olympic history having won medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards, including gold at the four Games held between 2000 and 2012, and MTA CEO James Selka was thrilled to have him in attendance.

“We are delighted to welcome Sir Ben to open MACH 2018, we know how much hard work and engineering excellence has been employed in the creation of the Land Rover BAR team,” he said.

“They are a fine example of world class British engineering and sporting know how. Sir Ben is a true legend and we are honoured to have him opening the UK’s premier manufacturing and engineering showcase.”

Ainslie added: “At Land Rover BAR we bring together huge resources of technical, design and engineering knowledge to create something truly British and unique. We invest in technology and innovative skills to find solutions for long-term issues in sustainability.

“I’m very much looking forward to opening the MACH 2018 exhibition and seeing the latest innovations coming out of the UK’s manufacturing technologies sector.”