VICTORY in the America’s Cup by Sir Ben Ainslie could generate as much as £140 million for the south coast economy.

A study by the University of Chichester has revealed the potential economic impact of the sailor winning the competition on Portsmouth and its surrounding regions.

The report assessed the monetary value of Sir Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR team finishing first and returning the event to their base at the south coast city.

The research was undertaken by principal lecturer Dr Andrew Clegg who specialises in tourism management at the University of Chichester’s Business School.

He said: “The £140 million is a conservative total as the actual impact will depend on how effectively the public and private sectors come together to deliver the returning event.

“Trying to establish the value of an event of this magnitude is always problematic due to the number of variables that would influence the overall economic impact.

“Any impact must also mitigate against any potential displacement of economic activity that would take place in Portsmouth anyway.”

Challengers of the 35th America’s Cup, which is the world’s oldest international sporting competition, set sail on Saturday.

Dr Clegg added: “The total value could be £140million but would likely exceed that figure.”