Aussie America's Cup hero named sailor of year

Australian Jimmy Spithill, who skippered Oracle to their remarkable comeback win in the 2013 America's Cup, was named sailor of the year by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old, who in 2010 became the youngest sailor to be part of an America's Cup winning team, received the award in Palma, Spain.
Spithill also skippered the Oracle team in the successful defence of the title last year against their New Zealand opponents which saw them prevail 9-8 after trailing 8-1.
However, the Australian said he regarded the award as being for the team rather than him individually.
"I feel a little awkward winning this award," said Spithill, who earned the nickname 'James Pitbull' from Italian yachting fans for his aggressive tactics in the 2007 America's Cup when he skippered their boat Luna Rosso to a surprise appearance in the final.
"It seems it is an individual award and in my case it could not be further from the truth.
"What happened on San Francisco Bay was an incredible team effort. I was just a small piece. I would like to accept the award on behalf of a great group of people, Oracle Team USA.
"I think the biggest difference between the other nominees and myself is that this wasn't an individual performance. I'm accepting this award on behalf of the full team of Oracle Team USA.
"I think it's recognition of the effort put in by all of the guys on the boat, as well as the designers, engineers, supporters, all the way up to (Oracle boss) Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts. This means a lot to all of us."
The women's award went to Brazilian duo Martine Grael -- daughter of 2009 men's award winner Torben -- and Kahena Kunze, world champions in the 49erFX.
Source: AFP