RECORD-BREAKING Olympic sailor Ben Ainslie hit the waters again today by taking his boat Rita down the Thames.

Ainslie, who created history at London 2012 by winning his fourth consecutive gold medal, sailed the vessel in front of Big Ben on the River Thames this morning in front of gathered crowds.

The boat had been stored at Greenwich overnight and was towed up towards Tower Bridge in the early hours ready for the sail.

Ainslie, who was Team GB's flag bearer at Sunday's closing ceremony, has said today's trip was to thank all the people who supported him during the Olympics.

Rita is set to return to Greenwich later today.