Harken Speed Team: James Spithill

James Spithill: Melges 24 World Champion

Australian James Spithill started sailing when he was five. After winning the match race World Youth Championships twice, the 19-year old came to the world's attention during the 2000 America's Cup as the skipper of Young Australia. A powerhouse on the international match racing circuit, he helmed OneWorld USA in 2003, and was recruited in 2004 by Luna Rossa 2007 as its main helmsman. In 2005, Spithill and three AC teammates won the Melges 24 Worlds by an 8-point margin. "I’ve used Harken and McLube™on both small and big boats," said Spithill. "Because the Melges 24 is so physical, and boathandling so important, it was great to be able to rely on our Harken deckgear—especially the ratchets."

Links:
Melges 24 Class
Melges Performance Sailboats Harken Dealers

Speedteam Spotlight:
Harken & McLube™ Speedteam sailors compete in Olympic and international racing classes around the world. We are dedicated to helping these outstanding athletes achieve their dreams and use their feedback to equip all sailors with the best products possible.

Is there a mentor, role model or some other key figure in your life who has significantly impacted your sailing?
James Spithill: My father taught me to sail and helped drive me to compete in regattas on his own time, I grew up in the same bay as Colin Beashel and Rob Brown (Australia II crew) who also impacted my decision to want to race in the AC.

Is there another side to you that you'd like to share with the Seahorse readership?
JS: I really enjoy spending my time off playing sports, especially water sports, and have great support from my wife Jennifer.

What is it you find most fun or rewarding about this sport?
JS: The different cultures and backgrounds of people you get to work with and compete against and traveling to some great spots to race.

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on Harken and McLube™products?
JS: All positive. I've used Harken and McLube™on both small boats and big boats. With the Melges being such a physical boat and boathandling being so important, it was great to be able to rely on our Harken deckgear—especially the ratchets. We also had our hull and spinnakers sprayed with McLube™and really felt this gave us an edge on the racetrack with our speed and boathandling.

DECK layout

Melges-24

featured Hardware

Carbo Ratchamatics

Lubricant

McLube™ Sailkote