America's Cup skipper James Spithill claims World Sailor of the Year award with extraordinary fightback Oracle Team USA, skippered by James Spithill, in action against Emirates Team New Zealand. JAMES Spithill became the first Australian to skipper two America's Cup winners last year and this morning was rewarded for the feat as only the third Aussie to secure the prestigious Rolex World Sailor of the Year award. Spithill helped orchestrate one of sports greatest comebacks when he rallied the Oracle USA crew from 8-1 down to win the America's Cup in San Francisco in September 2013. The feat is considered one of the greatest fightbacks in world sporting history and this morning earned Spithill the top award in sailing. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison holds the America's Cup trophy after the extraordinary win. "This is not just my award, it's my teams,"" Spithill told The Daily Telegraph from Spain where he received the honour. "I think one of the reasons we won last year was we all put ourselves second and the team first."" Spithill achieved something hundreds of sailors have been able to do in recent times with his win _ beat Australian 470 duo Mat Belcher and Will Ryan and the New Zealand world 49er team of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. Australians Will Ryan and Mat Belcher win the world 470 crown in September. "I can't believe I beat these guys to be honest,"" Spithill said. The two teams have been the standout sailors in Olympic sailing, winning multiple world titles and stringing together impressive undefeated runs. London Olympic gold medallist Belcher was last year only the second Australian to be honoured with the World Sailor of the Year. Australians Will Ryan and Mat Belcher celebrate their world title in the 470 class. His award followed on from London Olympic gold medallist and multiple world sailor champion Tom Slingsby's win. Slingsby was also aboard Oracle Team USA when it won the America's Cup last year. Originally published as Spithhill wins World Sailor of the Year