Fri Oct 04 21:56:54 UTC 2024: ## Sailing Legend Jimmy Spithill Retires After America’s Cup Loss

**Barcelona, Spain** – After an illustrious career spanning eight consecutive America’s Cup campaigns, Australian skipper Jimmy Spithill announced his retirement from the world’s oldest sporting competition. The two-time America’s Cup winner, known for his aggressive tactics and dramatic comebacks, led Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to a 7-4 defeat in the challengers’ final against INEOS Britannia.

Spithill, who was in his second campaign with co-helmsman Francesco Bruni, acknowledged that he was “not good enough to get it done here” and said it was time for him to “hang up the gloves.” He expressed pride in the young talent coming up in the sailing world and hinted at a future in the SailGP global league, where he plans to lead an Italian team.

Spithill’s retirement comes after a career marked by remarkable achievements, including leading Oracle Team USA to an improbable victory in the 2013 America’s Cup, after trailing 8-1 to Team New Zealand. He also became the youngest skipper to win the America’s Cup at age 30, helming Larry Ellison’s 90-foot trimaran to victory in 2010.

The veteran skipper’s decision marks the end of an era in the sport. Spithill’s legacy, marked by unwavering determination and a flair for the dramatic, will be remembered by sailing enthusiasts for years to come.

INEOS Britannia, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, will now face Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup match.

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