JIMMY SPITHILL
Born: June 28, 1979 (41)
Role: Luna Rossa helmsman
America's Cup campaigns: 7
One of the most revered athletes in New Zealand, Spithill enters his seventh America's Cup and second with Luna Rossa.
The Aussie rogue is best known for his witty, fighting attitude and cocky persona that will always get under the Kiwis' skin, especially during Oracle's remarkable comeback against Team NZ at San Francisco 2013.
With the Americans trailling 8-1, Spithill somehow guided his team to successful defence of the Auld Mug when all seemed lost.
The 41-year-old began his Cup career in 2000, when he became the youngest helmsman in event history aboard Young Australia.
Spithill shot to fame at the 2007 regatta, when his Luna Rossa team thrashed favourites Oracle BMW Racing in challenger semi-finals and earned the nickname 'James Pitbull' for his aggressive racing.
Outside the America's Cup, Spithill has won two world championship gold medals in match racing and RC44s, and skippered LDV Comanche to victory in the Sydney to Hobart classic.
