BEN Ainslie's tilt at the America's Cup has sparked memories for his former teacher at Peter Symonds College.

The former Symonds pupil won gold at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and in his honour an open-top double decker bus ride was staged for him and fellow ex-pupil Iain Percy.

Sandra Showell, of Grange Road, St Cross, remembers the day well and shared photos taken out side the Guildhall after the bus ride which was accompanied by a jazz band.

Founded in 1851 the America's Cup is a sailing competition and the oldest international competition still operating in any sport. Great Britain has never won it and Ben's team at the time of writing is 0-4 down to New Zealand. It is the first time a British team has contested the final for 60 years.

She said: "I notice Ben said yesterday he would give up all his gold medals to win the America’s Cup. It reminds me of a project he did when he was in my English class - in 1995 …. It was called a 'Layman’s Guide to Sailing' and in he said “the writer of this project will one day win the America’s Cup” Well, he is in with a fighting chance now - so I am crossing every finger and toe.

"It’s such an achievement though to get to the final and absolutely unbelievable. We have to be really proud don’t we to have someone who has got that far."

Sandra hopes to see Ben back in Winchester again.