IT IS a match made in heaven which they hope will become a record-breaking partnership.

Billionaire Sir Richard Branson and triple Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie have joined forces in a bid to become the fastest sailors to cross the Atlantic.

The Virgin chief executive has enlisted the help of Lymington-based sailor Ben – the greatest British Olympic sailor ever – to break the current record of six days, 17 hours and 52 minutes.

The 33-year-old will take the helm of Mr Branson’s 100ft supermaxi yacht Virgin Money today for the challenge, which will be Ben’s first transatlantic crossing. It will also be Mr Branson’s first record attempt in ten years.

Ben,who won his third Gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in the Finn dinghy, was last night flying out from the UK to meet the crew.

Around half of the yacht’s 30 crew will be made up of members of Team Origin, the British America’s Cup sailing squad.

Skippering the yacht will be Mike Sanderson, Team Origin’s director and holder of the current speed record, as well as Mr Branson’s children Holly, 26, and Sam, 22.

Mr Branson added: “It will be a real privilege to set sail with such an able and experienced crew as Team Origin and I’m also thrilled that Holly and Sam have the opportunity to share the experience. As soon as the weather allows we’ll be off and chasing the record.”

Mr Branson and his team were due to leave North Cove Marina in New York at dawn local time, with the clock starting as the yacht passes Ambrose Light.

The course will take them through the treacherous North Atlantic before finishing at Lizard Point, off Cornwall.

In June, Southampton-based superyacht Leopard of London crossed the Atlantic in seven days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 49 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest crossing for a monohull with powered winches.