America's Cup 2017: Oracle's Jimmy Spithill won't rule out stepping down as skipper

 

Oracle's leader Jimmy Spithill says he hasn't ruled out stepping down from his role as skipper as his team scramble to keep their America's Cup hopes alive.

Staring down the barrel of defeat after Team NZ took another two wins to move to a daunting 6-1 advantage, Spithill admitted "everything's on the table" heading into what could be a defining day five on Tuesday (NZT).

"Every single team member in Oracle Team USA will do whatever will help the team win. That's my attitude too, and that's the attitude of the entire team," said the Australian.

"If we think the team's got a better chance with me on the wheel, clearly I'll go on the wheel. If we think the team's got a better chance with me off the wheel, no problem. 

"Our attitude's always been from day one that you put the team before yourself. The team we roll out tomorrow that will be the team we think will give ourselves the best chance of winning."

If a change upfront should occur the likely replacement would be his compatriot, tactician Tom Slingsby.

Spithill maintained his veneer of confidence at the post-race press conference as he recounted another demoralising day on the water for his crew.

The 37-year-old continues to cling resolutely to the events of San Francisco for motivation, when a stunning comeback from a similar position won them the Auld Mug back in 2013.

"These guys sailed better. They made fewer mistakes and they deserved to win two races. We clearly just made too many mistakes today.

"We're in a tough situation…. we really just have to take this one race at a time now. But we've been here before.

"The plan wasn't to be in this position again, but, we're here. Now it's up to us to respond and react.

"I still think we can win races with this boat."

Newshub.