Britain’s quest to win the America’s Cup for the first time in its 164 year history started with a triumph – but because of the unpredictability of the British summer it is a hollow victory that leaves thousands disappointed.

Lymington’s Sir Ben Ainslie, the four-time Olympic champion, and his Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) crew won the first America’s Cup World Series regatta on the Solent, after claiming a race victory and a runner-up finish on Saturday’s first day of official competition.

It was finely poised for today's races, with the ‘Super Sunday’ event to be attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and double points up for grabs.

However the British summer intervened and racing was abandoned before midday, with torrential rain and winds faster than 30mph battering Hampshire.

Initially racing was brought forward in line with a break in the conditions, but for safety reasons organisers announced there would be no repeat of the gripping action that unfolded in front of more than 50,000 spectators on Saturday.

Thousands of people were then evacuated from the site on Southsea Common, Portsmouth, as the grim conditions took hold.

"The English summer, you just can't count on it,” said a despairing Ainslie, as he was forced back to shore.

"Yesterday (Saturday) was the most amazing day of my sailing career. There were so many people out, everyone had a fantastic time.

"Today (Sunday) was a shame but we will get that sorted out and book the weather in for next year."

Certainly Saturday’s gave a tantalising preview to what the next two years will have in stall as the America’s Cup builds up to its final stage in Bermuda in 2017.

For the first time the World Series counts towards determining who will face the defending champions in the head-to-head climax, which will happen after the lengthy qualification process.

Team Oracle USA, the current holders, could only muster a third place overall while Emirates Team New Zealand, who Ainslie helped to beat in the 2013 competition with Oracle, took the runners-up spot.

BAR were the shining lights as the six teams onboard identical foiling AC45s did battle on the Solent, where it all started in 1851 when Britain lost to a schooner from America off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

In Portsmouth, the opening stop on the World Series, the battle between the planet’s best sailors saw local knowledge prevail, with Ainslie and crew making a promising start.

BAR chased down Team New Zealand and some sharp work around one of the gates gave them the opportunity to sail away.

On the fifth leg, BAR’s catamaran lifted on to its foils and began flying, taking a commanding victory.

The second race was won by Team New Zealand, with BAR in second. Meaning Ainslie holds a point’s advantage over the Kiwis.

“You couldn’t ask for anything better,” Ainslie said on Saturday.

“Fantastic conditions, so many people coming out to support the teams.

“I’m so happy for Portsmouth and for our team. We have so many people on shore working on our behalf and cheering us on. For them to see this level of support is brilliant.”