NEWS

«America's Cup»: Jimmy Spithill returns to Italian Luna Rossa

Share on social media

Oracle Team USA « skipper Jimmy Spithill has returned to Italy's Luna Rossa for the America's Cup».

The Australian, who has not missed a Cup event since 2007, was today officially named as the newest member of the Luna Rossa squad.

«Jimmy, with his wealth of experience on high-class sailing yachts - both sporty and technical - will certainly make our team stronger», written on the official Luna Rossa website.

«Spithill led Luna Rossa in 2007, when she lost the America's Cup», to Emirates Team New Zealand.

It was then that the sailor earned the nickname «James Pitbull» for his aggressive tactics that allowed him to lead the team to the final - but not enough to win.

He then became part of Oracle Team USA, with whom he won the Cup in 2010 and 2013 - with the 2013 victory, when Spithill and his team edged out Team New Zealand from eighth place overall to first, beating Team New Zealand, still considered incredible.

Knowing that Oracle Team USA was unlikely to compete in 2021, Spithill returned to his Italian team to stay in the game.

Upon hearing the news of Spithill's appointment, Team New Zealand director Grant Dalton said the Cup defenders have a good relationship with Luna Rossa, their main rivals, and will remain so unless, of course, Jimmy «keeps his mouth shut». « But I think they will control it», Dalton added, referring to the management of the Italian team.

In addition to Luna Rossa, Adelasia of Torres from Sardinia, British Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing and Bella Mente Quantum Racing representing the New York Yacht Club will also enter the battle for Auld Mug. France and Australia are also interested in participating, but have not yet officially confirmed. The competition will take place in 2021 in Auckland on new 75-foot single-hulled foils with an innovative but controversial design.

Share on social media