Australia has tools for 36th America’s Cup

John Bertrand, the winning skipper of the country that unbolted the Auld Mug from the New York Yacht Club in 1983, has been conspicuously present in Bermuda during the 35th America’s Cup. If rumors prove true, Bertrand has been checking in to see about his country getting back into the America’s Cup game.

Australia’s last appearance was in the 2000 America’s Cup with Young Australia, a team funded by Syd Fischer and sailed with a young crew led by James Spithill, who was then just 19. And while it has been 17 years and an absence of five editions, Bertrand wouldn’t have to look far for qualified countrymen to join such an initiative.

In the 35th America’s Cup, Australian sailors were featured in a number of teams, with so many Aussies on the ‘American’ team that it was quietly referred to Oracle Team USA AUS.

Oracle Team USA was skippered by Australian Jimmy Spithill, with London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist, Tom Slingsby his right-hand man and tactician. Other Aussies on the Oracle boat include:

Ky Hurst (Wing Trimmer)
Tom Johnson (Wing Trimmer)
Kyle Langford (Wing Trimmer)
Joey Newton (Trimmer)
Sam Newton (Trimmer/Grinder)
Graeme Spence (Grinder)

With the completion of the 35th edition on June 26, with Oracle Team USA failing in their bid to defend the Cup, this may have been the last hurrah for team owner Larry Ellison and this team.

Successful challenger Emirates Team New Zealand has proudly embraced the skill within its country, but a key cog to their machine was Beijing 2008 Australian Olympic Silver Medallist, Glenn Ashby as their skipper.

Ashby is a multihull specialist and multiple World Champion, has raced and coached in the Extreme 40s and was Australian Sailing’s Male Sailor of the Year in 2006 with Darren Bundock. He has worked closely with New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling, to steer the team to the success they have had to date.

There were many other notable Australians among the other challenging teams, including:

Artemis Racing (SWE)
Nathan Outteridge (Skipper/helm)
Iain Jensen (Wing Trimmer)
Jake Lilley (Grinder)
Luke Parkinson (Trimmer/Grinder)
Anthony Nossiter (safety officer/shore team)
Ayden Menzies (shore team)

SoftBank Team Japan
Jason Waterhouse (Trimmer/Grinder)
Ben Lamb (Grinder)
Luke Payne (Grinder)
Scott Babbage (Performance Director)

Ben Ainslie Racing (England)
Edward Hawthorne (Systems Engineer)
Jessica Sweeny (Chief Meteorologist)
David Powys (Base Manager)

Groupama Team France
Ben Wright (Shore Team)
Dominic Hastings (Electrics)
Phil Rivet ( Boat Maintenance / Composites)

Australians also held key roles off-water including Iain Murray serving as the America’s Cup Regatta Director, Richard Slater as Chief Umpire and Matt Allen as a Member of the Arbitration Tribunal for the 35th America’s Cup.

“There is no doubt that Australian sailors are the best in the world, and are highly sought after by America’s Cup teams because of their skills,” said CEO of Australian Sailing, John Lee. “Our sailors are brilliant on the water, but also exceptional off the water in managing and running these world class teams and events.

“Even though these bids are very expensive these days, our country and countrymen continue to influence and dominate at the elite levels of sailing. Ashby, Spithill, Slingsby, Outteridge, Jensen and Waterhouse, even swimmer and ironman Ky Hurst were lured to the sport. What an amazing talent pool we have on offer!” John added.

Source: Australian Sailing