Jimmy Spithill wins sailor of the year

by Oracle Team USA on 5 Nov 2014 Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill was presented with the 2014 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year (male) award at a ceremony in Palma, Spain on Tuesday evening.

The award came as recognition of the magnificent comeback Spithill presided over as the skipper of Oracle Team USA during the 2013 America’s Cup. Down eight-one, and facing match point for over a week, Spithill and his team won eight consecutive races to retain the America’s Cup nine-eight over Emirates Team New Zealand.

In collecting the award, Spithill reflected on the team effort required to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds.

'I think the biggest difference between the other nominees and myself is that this wasn’t an individual performance. I’m accepting this award on behalf of the full team of Oracle Team USA,' Spithill said.

'I think it’s recognition of the effort put in by all of the guys on the boat, as well as the designers, engineers, supporters, all the way up to Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts. This means a lot to all of us.'

This is the first World Sailor of the Year award for Spithill, who joins team mates Tom Slingsby (2010) and Russell Coutts (1995, 2003) in the exalted club.