The 47-year-old, who is leading the UK's Ineos Britannia team in the America's Cup, was mugged by a gang while leaving a restaurant on Saturday night, local media reported.

The watch was said to be valued at around €20,000 (£16,858).

Sir Ben reported the theft to police in Barcelona on Monday.

He told The Daily Telegraph: "Barcelona is a fantastic host city for the America's Cup, and the team has felt welcomed and is enjoying our stay in this vibrant city.

"Like in all big cities, you can be affected by opportunistic crime and my situation is no different. This matter is now with the local authorities."

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Barcelona has seen a spate of luxury watch thefts and the city has a police team specialising in the theft of high-value watches.

Sir Ben is the most successful sailor in Olympic history.

He has won medals at five consecutive Olympics from 1996 onwards, including gold at four consecutive games held between 2000 and 2012.