Spithill wins World Sailor of the Year

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill has got one over New Zealand once more, taking out yachting's most prestigious individual award - the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year - at an awards ceremony in Spain today.

Spithill was presented the award at a ceremony in Palma, Spain this morning, beating out New Zealand's world champion 49er pairing of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, who were unbeaten during the award period from September 2013 to September this year.

In that time the impressive young duo won six major regattas, including two world championships, a European title and the Olympic test event in Rio.

Spithill's award came as recognition of the magnificent comeback he presided over as the skipper of Oracle Team USA during the 2013 America's Cup. Down 8-1, and facing match point for over a week, Spithill and his team won eight consecutive races to retain the America's Cup 9-8 over Emirates Team New Zealand.

In collecting the individual award, Spithill acknowledged the team effort required to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds.

"I think the biggest difference between the other nominees and myself is that this wasn't an individual performance. I'm accepting this award on behalf of the full team of Oracle Team USA," Spithill said.

"I think it's recognition of the effort put in by all of the guys on the boat, as well as the designers, engineers, supporters, all the way up to Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts. This means a lot to all of us."

It was the first World Sailor of the Year award for Spithill, joining team mates Tom Slingsby (2010) and Russell Coutts (1995, 2003) in the exalted club.