America's Cup: Jimmy Spithill leaves Oracle to join Italian syndicate Luna Rossa

  • 14/03/2018
Spithill began with Luna Rossa back in 2007.
Spithill began with Luna Rossa back in 2007. Photo credit: Photosport

The Aussie sailor who broke Kiwi hearts in 2013 is returning to the America's Cup in a different boat.

Skipper Jimmy Spithill's has officially ended his time with Oracle in California and opted to switch to Italian syndicate Luna Rossa for the 2021 edition.

The 38-year-old's departure with the Larry Ellison-owned syndicate was widely expected with the chances of the American boat making an appearance at the next regatta looking increasingly unlikely.

It marks a return to the boat with which Spithill challenged for the America's Cup career as a helmsman in 2007.

"With his huge sports and technical experience on high-performance sailing boats, Jimmy brings additional strength to team Luna Rossa," Luna Rossa said on their website.

Spithill famously defended "The Auld Mug" with a remarkable comeback in San Francisco before crashing out to Team New Zealand's inspired challenge in Bermuda last year.

Newshub.