6 Nov 2014

Spithill named sailor of the year

11:57 am on 6 November 2014

The Australian Jimmy Spithill has been named the male world sailor of the year.

Spithill led Oracle Team USA in their comeback victory over Team New Zealand in last year's America's Cup.

The International Sailing Federation gave Spithill the honour ahead of New Zealand's world champion 49er crew of Blair Tuke and Peter Burling.

New Zealand sailors Blair Tuke and Peter Burling on the 2012 Olympic medal podium.

New Zealand sailors Blair Tuke and Peter Burling on the 2012 Olympic medal podium. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The New Zealand women's 470 crew of Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie won the women's award last year.

This year the women's award went to the Brazilian 49er crew of Martine Grael & Kahena Kunze.

Three New Zealand men have taken the honour before - Sir Russell Coutts, Sir Peter Blake and Mike Sanderson.