Game of Thrones star links up with Ben Ainslie

Allen, who plays Theon Greyjoy in the award-winning television series, climbed aboard the Land Rover BAR team's foiling catamaran for an outing on the Hudson River.

Four-time Olympic champion Ainslie said: "The lads are big fans of Game of Thrones so it was a pleasure to meet Alfie and give him a taste of America's Cup racing.

"I know he's a big Formula One fan and this is effectively the equivalent on water. I think he must have enjoyed it because he's coming back to cheer us on."

Allen added: "It's still sinking in really that I'm here with this amazing team – Ben's a legend! I'll be honest I'm not an avid sailor but being 'sixth man' is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"It's incredible watching how the team and the boat operate on the water, we got foiling – it was amazing."

Land Rover BAR are aiming to become the first British team to win the America's Cup and will take on defending champions Oracle Team USA in the World Series this weekend.