Ainslie, 32, will lead Team Origin in their attempts to bring the America's Cup back to the country it started in for the first time in the event's 158-year history.

But, despite Ainslie’s commitment to guiding the British team to victory, the Team Origin skipper hopes to British assault on the America’s Cup in 2013 rather than 2011, when the team are currently scheduled to compete, so that he can concentrate solely on defending his Olympic title, when the sailing events will be held at Weymouth and Portland.

Ainslie will equal the record of Danish sailor Paul Elvstrøm of winning a gold medal in four successive Olympic Games if he is successful again in 2012.

The Briton triumphed in the Laser class in Sydney in 2000 and the Finn class in Athens in 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Elvstrøm won the Finn class in three consecutive Games, starting in London in 1948 when the sailing took place at Torquay, and then Helsinki in 1952 and Melbourne in 1956 before claiming gold in the Firefly category in Rome in 1960. 

Ainslie said: “From a selfish personal point of view, I think 2013 would be better for me in terms of preparation for London but really, its not about me, it about the team.

"It has always been a very firm goal to compete in 2012."

Sir Keith Mills, the team principal of Team Origin has said that Ainslie’s commitments to the America’s Cup should not affect his involvement in the London 2012 Olympics. 

Sir Keith said: “Ben is such a professional.

"I would be astonished if we weren't able to ensure he gets all the Olympic training he needs.

“We have had long discussions with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) on how we can work together to ensure Ben is able to compete at the highest level in 2012."

It is the opportunity of competing before his home crowd in 2012 that excites Ainslie so much.

He said: “For a start, it’s nice to have the chance to be racing at home.

"We’re really lucky to have Weymouth.

“It’s the first, fully operational Olympic venue and its been one of national stadia academies for some time and its where most of my generation grew up and learned to train and race so it’s a home away from home and it’s a fantastic opportunity to go and race there.

“The facilities there are as good as anywhere in the world and as a sailing venue, it will be a great challenge and it will be great in 2012."

But Ainslie claims he is not concerned by the level of expectation that will be on him in 2012.

He said: “The pressure really comes from within, it’s your own expectation not having everyone else think something.

"That won’t change if you are racing in the UK or China but I think it will be very special for everyone racing at home."

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