Shifting gears for Jimmy Spithill

Australian Jimmy Spithill used the SailGP event in Dubai to reveal that he’d be stepping away from sport as an athlete. Now 44 years old, the two-time America’s Cup winner and SailGP skipper for two seasons will be focusing more on management within the sport.

“This was my last race as a SailGP athlete. It’s time for me to let fresh young blood into the competition, with the new Italian (SailGP) team, where I’ll take the role of CEO,” Spithill said. “It’s been one hell of a ride and I’m going to miss the battles and the competition.”

Spithill also said the 37th America’s Cup next fall in Barcelona will be his last. He’s the co-helmsman of Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. He makes his full-time home in San Diego with his American wife and two sons. – Full report