Following a remarkable America’s Cup victory just under a year ago, ORACLE TEAM USA sailors have spent much of 2014 competing individually at various events around the world, looking to keep their skills sharp against top-flight competition.
The results have impressive.
“We made a conscious decision to encourage our guys to get out there on the various circuits and compete as much as possible this year,” said skipper Jimmy Spithill. “We knew there would be limited opportunity to race as a team, so we decided to push the guys to race on their own instead.”
“The idea has been to spend time in different classes, sail with a different group of people and come back to our team refreshed and with new ideas and new skills.
“I’ve been really pleased to see the results the guys have been posting.”
Over the past several weeks, ORACLE TEAM USA sailors could be found on the podium and among the leaders at regattas around the world.
Rome Kirby, example, was on Rambler when it won the Block Island distance race.
Other achievements include:
Extreme Sailing Series, Cardiff:
Kinley Fowler – 1st place
Kyle Langford – 6th place
RC 44 World Championships, Marstrand:
Tom Slingsby – 2nd place
Kyle Langford – 2nd place
Matt Cassidy – 3rd place
Melges 32 US National Championships, Newport:
Jimmy Spithill – 2nd place
52SuperSeries – Copa del Rey:
Matt Cassidy – 1st place
Joe Spooner – 4th place
Tom Slingsby – 4th place
The sailing team is scheduled to regroup in November for another foiling camp.
