Jimmy Spithill is 38, but is already a two-time winner of the America's Cup and one of the most famous sailors in the world. In 2013 he led his team to what the Wall Street Journal called 'one of the greatest comebacks in sports history'. OracleTeam USA was down 8-1, before rallying for eight consecutive wins to defeat Emirates Team New Zealand 9-8.
When he's not training the team, Spithill takes a keen interest in flying - he's flown with the Blue Angels, the Red Bull Flying Bulls and holds his private pilot license. He is also an accomplished amateur boxer and has completed two Molokai to Oahu stand-up paddle crossings.
@JSpithhill
Jimmy Spithill is arguably one of the world's greatest skippers: the youngest and double winner of the America's Cup, the oceanic version of Formula 1; winner of the Sydney Hobart; multiple world champion in match and fleet racing... the list goes on. And on a day off he'll paddleboard 32 miles through Hawaiian double overhead waves.
What goes on inside the head of this extremely focused man who is a true pioneer in the game called sailing? Here he tells his rags-to-riches story of fierce determination, court cases, seasickness, crashed boats and cars, alcohol, the greatest comeback ever in sporting history and the dramatic 2017 America's Cup defence. All of it contributed to turning a quiet, bullied, water-loving blue-collar redhead born in Sydney into one of sailing's biggest rockstars.
Far from the official media-trained account so often found in the closed-off world of the America's Cup, Jimmy's open, honest style gives us a rare insight into what goes on inside the head of a man at the top of his game. A compelling read, with many lessons in leadership, teamwork and achieving your dreams, no matter how impossible they might seem.
Fascinating behind the scenes insight during the most disruptive period in the event's modern history... Spithill also uses the book to even the score with critics, question authority, opine on parenthood, and teach the tenets of team.
A very interesting book and a worthwhile read - particularly to understand how he achieved what he has by coming through a very different path to others in the 35th America's Cup.
an inside look into the making of a life of competitive sailing
a breathtaking ride for anyone interested in the AC
Breaks open the closed world of the America's Cup and gives unprecedented insight into the mind of an extremely focused man at the pinnacle of his sport. Jimmy speaks with honesty about this year's event and we get an inside look at the challenges he faced as he defended the Cup.
Anyone who enjoys sailing or simply reading about it will find the book, which includes many photos, worth adding to his or her library.