Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team skipper targets PRADA Cup final sailing victory 09.02.2021: Jimmy Spithill might have lost out to Sir Ben Ainslie and the INEOS TEAM UK crew in the PRADA Cup round-robin stage down in New Zealand, however the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team skipper believes that his crew's semi-final form can propel them to victory

Jimmy Spithill might have lost out to Sir Ben Ainslie and the INEOS TEAM UK crew in the PRADA Cup round-robin stage down in New Zealand, however the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team skipper believes that his crew's semi-final form can propel them to victory in the final.



The Australian won the 2010 America's Cup as skipper and helmsman for BMW Oracle Racing and defended the trophy in 2013 when Oracle Team USA came back from a −2 penalty score against Emirates Team New Zealand to win 9–8 in the final, gripping race.




This time around, the Sydney-born sailor believes that his AC75 crew can learn lessons from their three round-robin reversals to Ainslie's crew and claim an Auckland place against defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America's Cup.



Here is what the 41-year-old had to say ahead of the PRADA Cup final on February 13:





You've had both racing and development time, is that a combination you think could play a vital role in the PRADA Cup final?


Given how little racing everyone has had, I'm glad we went through the semi-finals - this has pushed our development and learning at the same time.





You were narrowly edged out by INEOS TEAM UK in the round-robin stage, so what lessons did you learn from those races?


We had a lot of things to work on, especially technically and communication.





How much would you love to avenge that defeat and get one over your good friend Ben Ainslie and the rest of his crew, most of whom you know very well?


The finals should be an awesome battle, there are a lot of my old teammates on INEOS and bragging rights are at stake!




Having raced so recently against INEOS TEAM UK, what will be key to victory?


Make less mistakes than the other team - these boats are very difficult to sail and race well, so teamwork and good decisions are vital.




How much do you relish these challenges?


It's an exciting time, very few people get to experience a final at this level - it's something you look forward to.




How has the boat been feeling? Will you be making many changes before the final?

All the way until the very end, the boat is going great.




How much would it mean to take on Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America's Cup showdown?


To have a chance of winning the Cup, you need to first win the PRADA Cup - that's our focus right now.





Finally, what has it been like racing in front of fans once again?



We are very lucky and priviledged to be able to race and compete, there are many athletes unable to do this right now. There are a lot of passionate fans here and abroad cheering us on and we feel all the support!




- Red Bull also photos