HE’S the greatest. Lymington ’s Ben Ainslie secured his place in sporting history books yesterday when he became the greatest sailing Olympian of all time.

There are now calls for Ainslie to be knighted after a sea of cheering spectators waving Union Jacks witnessed him winning his record-breaking fourth gold medal.

It was a moment the mild-mannered sailor and his ecstatic followers, who gave Ainslie a standing ovation at the Nothe in Weymouth, are unlikely to forget.

In return, the 35-year-old sailor pumped the air in delight.

As thousands of spectators went wild, he saluted the crowds, letting off red flares to celebrate the end of what had been hailed the Battle of the Bay.

Ainslie came ninth in the nail-biting Finn medal race but, crucially, finished ahead of Denmark’s Jonas Hogh-Christensen who took silver.

Speaking after an incredibly tense race, Ainslie said: “It’s times like this you’re supposed to say something clever but I’m speechless.

“It’s been a really tough week but this was the time to do it, at home in front of your home crowd. I’m so glad for the people who have supported me over the years; my family, sponsors, the people watching.

“It’s been an amazing experience, listening to a crowd like that makes a difference. After six races I was in a bit of trouble and had to turn things around; thankfully I did it.”

He added: “It’s been incredibly hard; the hardest couple of weeks of my life. There’s a huge amount of pressure to perform at home games. It’s unbelievable.”

When asked if he was now on the road to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Ainslie replied: “You never say never but it’s killing my body so I’d be surprised if you see me at Rio.

Crowds at the Lymington annual bath race erupted when the news came through that local boy Ben Ainslie had made history and been crowned Olympic champion.

Huge cheers and applause greeted the announcement that came over the tannoy system at Lymington Town Sailing Club yesterday afternoon.

Rachel Corbin, 43, a caterer from Lymington, said: “I am really pleased for Ben. He has done brilliantly and I am proud that he is from Lymington.”

Graham Corbin, 52, a maintenance man from Lymington, said: “It is brilliant news. To come back from second place and get the gold is fantastic. We are really proud of him and I will definitely visit the post box painted gold in his honour.”

There was disappointment for sailor Andrew Simpson and skipper Iain Percy narrowly missed out on their second straight gold after Sweden triumphed in the Olympic Star class.

The British pair led going into yesterday’s dramatic final medal race, but their eighth placed finish, behind race winners Sweden handed Fredrik Loof and Max Salminen the title.

Andrew said: “We didn’t get it right. We cannot blame anyone else but ourselves. Fair play to the Swedes, they’ve had a great regatta overall and did a great job, so did the Brazilians.

“We’re really frustrated and sorry to everyone that is watching. We tried really hard for you guys, but it wasn’t to be.”

Two more Olympic medal races take place on Weymouth and Portland’s water today at the start of the second week of the London 2012 sailing events.

And people from Bournemouth and Poole are being urged to come and join the second week of the party and celebrate Ben Ainslie’s historic Olympic triumph.

The sailing action and coverage of other events will be shown on the two giant screens at the free Live Site on the beach, open from 10am to 10pm.

Meanwhile thousands have already visited the free sports arena, to try out a range of activities including rugby, football, cricket, interactive golf, sailing and kayaking.

Live music will be on offer inside Weymouth Pavilion between 7pm.

Entrance is £1.

The Monkey Jump park and ride at Dorchester is now free all day for the rest of the games and there are hundreds of free cycle racks around the town.

For all our Olympic coverage go to bournemouthecho.co.uk/olympics