IT WASN'T to be for INEOS Britannia — and Isle of Wight born sailor Leigh McMillan — in the 37th America's Cup match, with defeat against the holders, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) in Barcelona.

INEOS Britannia's campaign to win the coveted trophy, which continues to elude them, ended in a 7-2 defeat.

The British Challenger of Record, racing for the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, Cowes, fought hard, but were up against the runaway favourites.

Read more: Isle of Wight sailor Leigh happy Brits earn 37th America's Cup wins

However, the 2024 America's Cup was still considered a success for the British team, with several historic achievements marking their journey.

Britannia became the first British team to enter the America's Cup match in 60 years.

They were also the first British crew to score points in the match in 90 years, equalling Britain’s most successful performance ever, and they were the first British team to win an America’s Cup Challenger Series.

The ninth race of the first-to-seven match began with Britannia dominating the start.

ETNZ, however, found a shift and managed to steal the lead.

Read more: Isle of Wight sailor all set for 37th Americas Cup showdown

Britannia closed in fast on the third leg, reducing the gap to just a metre, but skipper and team principal, Sir Ben Ainslie, and his crew, which included Leigh, the flight controller, were unable to get ahead before the third mark.

The Kiwis remained uncatchable and crossed the finish line first, securing their America's Cup hat-trick and ending Britannia's dream.

Ainslie, a former Islander, said: "ETNZ raced a great series and continue to dominate the event, making them the greatest America’s Cup team of all time.

"I could not be prouder of our team’s efforts. The hard work and determination over this three-year campaign has never wavered.

"The team has been going for ten years now, but this has by far been the campaign that has shown the most improvement."

Read more: Isle of Wight sailor one win from 37th Americas Cup final

INEOS chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, expressed pride in the team's achievements.

"There have been ups and downs along the way, but that’s sport and that’s why we love it," he said.

"We've seen how Ben and the team have interrogated the data, optimised the technology and refined their sailing strategies to unlock more performance from the boat and the sailing team, race by race.

"This progress is testament to the unquestioning commitment from everyone in the team."

Despite the end of their America's Cup campaign, the team plans to remain in Barcelona with their Athena Pathway Youth and women’s teams, to continue developing sailing talent and further their commitment to Britain’s future in the America’s Cup.