Britain's bid for success in the world's oldest competition, the America's Cup, had been given more buoyancy by the technical input of Gloucestershire technology trailblazer Renishaw plc.

Sponsored by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and owner of the Ineos Group, the Ineos Brittania team are already cutting an impressive jib in the 37th America's Cup race, which dates back to the first event at Cowes, Isle of Wight, in 1851.

Renishaw got on board the project to push GB's effort by adding its know-how in additive manufacturing, commonly refered to as 3D printing, with the firm's metal printing of parts and expertise in measurement becoming an integral element of the project.

And in early results, the GB effort ended day two of the semi-final stages with two more wins against Alinghi Red Bull Racing.

Sir Jim's support is seeing the INEOS Britannia effort led by the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie, who is the Challenger of Record for the 37th America's Cup. The British team, who will race for Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, was formed in 2014 before joining forces with INEOS in 2018.

A spokesman for the team said: "In challenging for a third successive America's Cup, INEOS Britannia has much needed continuity, the cornerstone of every successful America's Cup team. It will be the first time a British team has competed in three consecutive Cup cycles since Sir Thomas Lipton and the Royal Ulster YC bids between 1899 to 1930."

Sir Ben said: "Renishaw is a really key technical partner for us and they've been with us from the very beginning. They're reliable and flexible and we know that we can count on them to deliver.

"Thousands of hours of work have gone into this boat and we're incredibly grateful to Renishaw for their support and the invaluable technology they provide."

Predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years, the last British Challenger of Record to compete in an America's Cup was the 12 metre, Sovereign in 1964. The race is now under way in Barcelona, with Renishaw's input on board the AC75 boat – and the firm at Renishaw's HQ in Wotton-under-Edge keeping fingers crossed in the hope of being part of the first British attempt to win the competition in its 172 year history.

A spokesperson for Renishaw said: "The competition is underway with a series of races to decide who will compete against defending champions New Zealand for the trophy in October. In the Challenger Selection Series, the British team is taking on Italy, Switzerland, the United States and France."

There are three preliminary competitions in all, with the winner taking on Team New Zealand in the America's Cup from October 12 to 17.

Throughout the event, Renishaw's Spanish subsidiary is offering on-the-ground technical support from its Additive Manufacturing Solutions Centre and headquarters in Barcelona.

They added: "This means Renishaw can provide a rapid response should the team need additional support with additive manufacturing components during the competition."

As an official technical supplier, Renishaw has supplied products and expertise in position measurement, manufacturing process control and Raman spectroscopy, plus additive manufacturing support. This collaboration has helped to optimise the design and manufacture of bespoke lightweight structural components for the boat. 

● Input from Renishaw also includes produced several bespoke parts using its RenAM 500Q quad laser metal additive manufacturing system, including the bowsprit end detail, flap fairings and outhaul sheave box.