Jimmy Spithill to lead Oracle in America's Cup World Series opening regatta

  • 14/07/2015
Jimmy Spithill (Photosport file)
Jimmy Spithill (Photosport file)

It will be all hands on deck for Jimmy Spithill at the America's Cup World Series opener after it was confirmed he would skipper Oracle in England.

Spithill heads a strong crew in Portsmouth that features sailing team manager Tim Slingsby, Australian Kyle Langford and New Zealand-born Kinley Fowler.

"It was bit of a challenge to select the crew for this event," Slingsby said.

"We have a lot of talent and depth among our sailing team. But I think we have a good mix of experience and youth on this crew and we've rewarded some of the hard work put in by the guys over the past weeks and months."

The regatta will feature foiling 45-foot catamarans, which the crew are yet to use.

"We'll do some training in the new boats which we haven't seen or sailed in yet," Langford said.

"That's one of the great things about sailing. You're forced to pick up these new skills and adapt to a new boat and learn quickly. That's the challenge and that's what makes it fun."

It will be a new look crew for Team New Zealand with 49er world champions Peter Burling and Blair Tuke getting their first hit out while axed skipper Dean Barker will be in action for Team Japan.

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