For the third time in America’s Cup yachting history an Australian has skippered the winning team across the line.

On the same day Australia won the cup 30 years ago our own Jimmy Spithill managed to outclass New Zealand and steer Team USA to victory.

Harriet Harvey reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It was thought impossible by everyone except Oracle Team USA.

But Australian James Spithill and his team recovered from a seemingly impossible 8-1 deficit to take the series 8-9.

The race was the longest and fastest regatta in history.

James Spithill, Captain Oracle Team USA: “I mean man what a fight back! Biggest come back in in world history. That’s a team!”

After three weeks of racing, billionaire Larry Ellison’s team crossed the line at 6.30 this morning defeating Team New Zealand by 44 seconds on the San Francisco Bay.

Their dream was almost over when Team USA nose dived at the first gate.

But speed took over by the forth marker and they were well in front.

There will be a lot of celebrating in Australia tonight.

This victory is Spithill’s second win after he was the youngest skipper ever to win an America’s Cup in 2010 with BMW Oracle.

He was joined on board by three other Aussies including Tom Slingsby, Joey Newton and Kyle Langford.

The America’s Cup has been running for 162 years however only four countries have ever won – America, Switzerland, New Zealand and Australia.

Australia’s not had a team in the America’s cup for 13 years because of the high price tag.

Tom Slingsby, Team Member: “When we get an Australian team, I think we will be bloody hard to stop.”

It’s 30 years today since Australia won the cup.

Harriet Harvey, QUT News.