Who Will Defend the 34th America’s Cup?

Oracle Team USA unveiled its 11-member crew that comprise the starting lineup when the team’s quest to defend the America’s Cup begins on San Francisco Bay this Saturday.

Jimmy Spithill (Australia), Helmsman
Birthdate: June 28, 1979

Shannon Falcone (Antigua), Grinder
Birthdate: June 28, 1981

Rome Kirby (United States), Grinder
Birthdate: June 6, 1989

John Kostecki (United States), Grinder/Tactician
Birthdate: June 7, 1964

Kyle Langford (Australia), Wing Trimmer *
Birthdate: July 30, 1989

Jonathan Macbeth (New Zealand), Grinder
Birthdate: March 26, 1973

Joe Newton (Australia), Jib Trimmer
Birthdate: December 16, 1977

Gilberto Nobili (Italy), Grinder
Birthdate: April 29, 1974

Tom Slingsby (Australia), Grinder/Strategist
Birthdate: September 5, 1984

Joe Spooner (New Zealand), Grinder
Birthdate: October 31, 1973

Simeon Tienpont (Dutch), Grinder
Birthdate: January 20, 1982

Nationalities: Antigua (1), Australia (4), Dutch (1), Italy (1), New Zealand (2), and United States (2)

Switch: When Dutchman Dirk de Ridder was banned from the 34th America’s Cup for his part in the AC45 scandal, young Australian Kyle Langford was elevated from Sir Ben Ainslie’s “chase” team to the starting 11. Click here for story about the young Aussie.