America’s Cup: Spithill returning to Italy?

Jimmy Spithill, after his loss in June as skipper of defender Oracle Team USA in the 35th America’s Cup, claimed in September how the team would be back to challenge when New Zealand hosts the 36th edition in 2021.

“We will definitely be chasing this America’s Cup,” said Spithill. “When you’ve been involved with a great group of people, especially a successful team, it is addictive. It does become an obsession. Once you get the taste of it, you want to taste it again.”

At the time, Spithill said team owner Larry Ellison was waiting until the rules comes out before proceeding, but now the winds appear to have shifted for Spithill and the Oracle team.

According to Italian publication Vento e Vele, the engagement of Spithill and the Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa, is done. Spotted in Cagliari in recent weeks, the Australian helmsman who won the America’s Cup in 2010 and 2013 with Oracle is now on board the Italian team. This would be a return for Spithill as he was helm for team owner Patrizio Bertelli during the 2007 America’s Cup.

Key dates:
✔ September 28, 2017: 36th America’s Cup Protocol released
✔ November 30, 2017: AC75 Class concepts released to key stakeholders
✔ January 1, 2018: Entries for Challengers open
March 31, 2018: AC75 Class Rule published
June 30, 2018: Entries for Challengers close
August 31, 2018: Location of the America’s Cup Match and The PRADA Cup confirmed
August 31, 2018: Specific race course area confirmed
December 31, 2018: Late entries deadline
March 31, 2019: Boat 1 can be launched
2nd half of 2019: 2 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
February 1, 2020: Boat 2 can be launched
During 2020: 3 x America’s Cup World Series Preliminary Events
December 10-20, 2020: America’s Cup Christmas Race
January and February 2021: The PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series
March 2021: The America’s Cup Match

Protocol of the 36th America’s Cup
Key Points of the Protocol
Deed of Gift