Two-Time America's Cup Winner, Rolex World Sailor of the Year & High-Performance Leader

Jimmy Spithill is one of the most decorated sailors of his generation — a two-time America's Cup winner, Rolex World Sailor of the Year and architect of one of the greatest comebacks in international sport. He's now CEO and helmsman of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team and one of the world's most in-demand voices on high-performance teams.

Who is Jimmy Spithill?

Born in 1979 and raised in Elvina Bay, north of Sydney — a community with no road access where every trip began on the water — Jimmy grew up sailing out of necessity. By 20 he was the youngest skipper in America's Cup history, and by 30 the youngest ever to win it. He has since become a global authority on what it takes to lead an elite team under extreme pressure.

Career Highlights

• Two-time America's Cup champion (2010 BMW Oracle, 2013 Oracle Team USA)

• Holds the record for most America's Cup race wins as a skipper

• Rolex World Sailor of the Year (2014)

• Australian Male Sailor of the Year (2006 and 2010)

• Line honours and race record, Sydney to Hobart on Comanche (2017)

• Helmsman and CEO, United States SailGP Team (2020–2023)

• Founder and CEO, Red Bull Italy SailGP Team

Key Speaking Themes

• High-performance teams and elite culture

• Resilience and the mindset of a comeback

• Leadership, decision-making and pressure

• Innovation, technology and continuous improvement

• Embracing risk and learning from failure

What Your Audience Will Gain

Jimmy delivers an unflinching look at what it really takes at the very top — the preparation, the team trust, the mental edge and the willingness to keep going when everything says stop. His 2013 comeback from 8–1 down against Emirates Team New Zealand is a masterclass in resilience, and he tells the full story with humour and humility.

Ideal For

• Leadership and high-performance conferences

• Sales kick-offs and corporate keynotes

• Sponsor events and after-dinner functions

• Innovation, technology and engineering audiences

• Sport and adventure-themed events

Frequently Asked Questions about Jimmy Spithill

What does Jimmy Spithill speak about? High-performance teams, resilience, leadership under pressure, innovation and the mindset behind elite comebacks.

What is Jimmy Spithill best known for? Winning the America's Cup in 2010 and 2013, including the famous 8–1 comeback against Emirates Team New Zealand on San Francisco Bay.

How many America's Cup campaigns has Jimmy Spithill sailed? Eight campaigns to date, with multiple teams including Young Australia, Luna Rossa and Oracle Team USA.

What is Jimmy Spithill doing now? He is the founder and CEO of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, racing in Larry Ellison's global SailGP league.

Where is Jimmy Spithill from? Elvina Bay, on Pittwater north of Sydney, Australia.

Is Jimmy Spithill available for keynotes in NZ? Yes. Jimmy speaks internationally and is regularly booked for NZ corporate and sports events.