Jimmy Spithill To Speak At Convergence 2015
ILS [Bermuda] Ltd., organisers of the Bermuda Convergence 2015 announced the event’s keynote speaker will be Jimmy Spithill, helmsman for America’s Cup Oracle Team USA.
The two-time winner of the America’s Cup will be a highlight of the annual Convergence event, to be held November 11–13 at Pier 6 in Hamilton. Now in its third year, the event attracts leading industry professionals from the growing insurance-linked securities industry, including investors, fund managers, global insurance and reinsurance companies, and professional service partners.
![Jimmy Spithill - Oracle Team USA[1]](https://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Jimmy-Spithill-Oracle-Team-USA1.jpg)
“Competing in the America’s Cup is the pinnacle of the sailing world and sailors must combine physical and mental strength, sailing skills and precision teamwork in an unpredictable environment,” said Greg Wojciechowski, CEO, Bermuda Stock Exchange, and ILS Bermuda Chairman.
“It’s about being focused on the goal while taking calculated risks that rely on innovation, technology, precision and team work. We at ILS Bermuda are excited to have Mr. Spithill talk to our attendees about leadership and team development, and how he’s taken risks and strategies for success.”
Born in Sydney, Australia, the eldest of three children from a sailing family, Spithill grew up on the waterfront at Elvina Bay on Pittwater, where the only access to home was via the water. He has been sailing since the age of five.
A two-time winner of the America’s Cup, in 2013 Spithill led his team to what has been called the greatest comeback in international sport. His Oracle Team USA was down 8–1, before rallying for eight consecutive wins to defeat Emirates Team New Zealand 9–8 to win the Cup.
A multiple world champion in both fleet and match-racing, Spithill is both the youngest helmsman to compete for the America’s Cup [in 1999 at age 19] as well as the youngest skipper [in 2010 at age 30] to claim sailing’s ultimate prize.
His goal now is to lead the team to a ‘three-peat’—three consecutive America’s Cup wins—during the Bermuda 2017 showdown.
Convergence 2015 Keynote Speaker sponsorship proceeds will be donated to the America’s Cup Endeavour Community Sailing Program, a charity that engages Bermuda students in sailing. The Endeavour program operates from bases on the eastern and western ends of the Island.
The Youth Sailing component provides sailing experiences for children aged nine to 12, as well as access to tours of the Oracle Team USA base in Dockyard, where they will witness the technology and innovation at the heart of a modern America’s Cup team.
More than 200 delegates are expected to attend this year’s ILS event; last year delegates came from a total of 13 countries.
Bermuda is the leading jurisdiction for ILS. At August 2015, the Bermuda Stock Exchange listed 142 vehicles with an aggregate market capitalization of over $17.8 billion, representing nearly 70 percent of the world’s total.
This is wonderful news – the Endeavour Sailing Programme is sounding more like a permanent gift to Bermuda Youth from Americas Cup. I can’t wait to hear more about how it will operate and service our youth. It appears to have all the elements of an integrated programme servicing all young people – a valuable accomplishment and potential model for other school based programmes.