Chasing the Cup: My America's Cup Journey

by Jimmy Spithill

Jimmy Spithill is one of the world's most successful sailboat racing skippers. He has, at 38, reached legendary status. This is his much-anticipated autobiography, and it opens with a young Spithill in the hospital about to have surgery on his leg, being told by the doctors he'll never be very good at sports. Instead of spelling defeat, that moment sparked a life-long determination to prove them wrong.

Spithill won his first sailboat race at age 10 and went on to win regettas all over the country, and then the world. He debuted in the America's Cup as a skipper at age 20, and after a tough legal battle to free himself from his contract with the Young Australia team, he sailed in the next two Cups before becoming the youngest skipper to ever win the America's Cup in 2010, at the helm of the most extreme yacht the competition had ever seen--the 90-foot long by 90-foot wide trimaran USA 17. He won the Cup again in 2013 in a remarkable comeback that shattered his opponents.

As the world knows, Spithill faced a daunting challenge in the 2017 Cup. In addition to providing unparalleled insights into Spithill's background and training, Chasing the Cup is the insider's look at the challenges he faced as he defended the Cup against New Zealand's powerful pedal-powered boats. Spithill speaks with humility and honesty about this year's Cup in this remarkable, timely autobiography.

Chasing the Cup breaks open the closed-off world of the America's Cup, and Spithill's open, honest style gives a rare insight into the mind of an extremely focused man at the pinnacle of his sport. It's a rags-to-riches story of fierce determination, court cases, seasickness, crashed boats and cars, alcohol, and persevering against all the odds. And it all contributed to turning a quiet, bullied, water-loving blue-collar redhead from Sydney into one of sailing's biggest rock stars.

Chasing the Cup is a compelling read, packed with lessons in leadership, teamwork, and achieving your dreams, no matter how many setbacks you face.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2017

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this memoir of Jimmy Spithills. I had a basic idea of The America's Cup and have been fascinated by the boat development from afar but thoroughly enjoyed this closer look. Jimmy is an admirable person and thoroughly deserves his place in sailing history. His accomplishments are astounding while his manner remains down to earth. Jimmy and Rob Mundle have put together a well paced and not overly technical personal account. It's a memoir for everyone to be inspired by but a teen sailor or sportsperson could do much worse than to have a read and be inspired by this self-effacing red headed sailor.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely brilliant read, and a book which has totally changed my thoughts about Jimmy Spithill. I am 100% kiwi and an America’s Cup fan. Like many Kiwis I thought Spithill had ‘attitude’ but after reading his book feel that he is an incredibly focused sailor who has given everything he possibly can in order to succeed on the water. His focus isn’t solely on winning, he has encouraged and made it possible for younger hopeful sailors to give sailing a go. Without this forward thinking there would be very few kids who could reach the heights that Jimmy and his mates have achieved.

[Angela Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive addition to the sports biography shelf, the autobiography of James Spithill is surprisingly entertaining , a great contribution to America’s Cup writing and mainly a terrific story of dedication and ambition.
Committing to the goal of professional sporting success, Spithill leaves no doubt as to his drive and commitment. This book would be a great read for any young sailor but it’s so much more than that - something everyone should read if they are interested in what makes success in life.

[SW · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into world class sailing and Spithill himself. He comes off as relatively matter of fact acknowledging successes and mistakes. An interesting balance of having enough ego to be driven but also self-effacing enough to learn new lessons. Also while I'm still a fan of classical monohull racing in the America's Cup, I now have a better appreciation of what goes into multihull racing.

[Fabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm biased because I've watched on live tv many of the races Jimmy talks about as a sailing fanatic. But what story, what an inside to one the world best, if not the world best, sailors. Inspirational shall I said. Must read for anyone interested in the America's cup or sailing.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Kiwi, and I read the book in September 2024 while Jimmy was competing in Barcelona for his sixth America's Cup. Honestly, the book could've ended with the biggest comeback ever, but those extra chapters really highlight what being a true sportsman is all about.

[Russell Painton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting read

A good read. Not written by a professional writer.
Even so. Entertaining, and A must read for all competitive sailors.

[Margot Timbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan. I learned more about Jimmy from this book. I liked some of the simple focal point quotes for competitors.

[Zac Blomeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting Jimmy, it's a true testament to his character