James Spithill helms BMW Oracle catamaran in Valencia

It's ironic to see James Spithill, the "Spitfire", helming the yacht of the America's Cup team he so remorselessly beat half a year ago, let alone in the exact same place he thrashed Chris Dickson in the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals of the 32nd America's Cup.

This Friday, at around 2pm, the young Australian sailor took the helm of the American team's Extreme 40 yacht and carried a test sail for a couple of hours off Valencia's coast. We assume that BMW Oracle is getting ready for a Deed-of-Gift multihull race, if finally that's what Justice Cahn orders.

BMW Oracle will certainly have a busy 2008 sailing season in Europe and the Middle East. First of all, the second Extreme 40 catamaran is rumored to be arriving here in Valencia shortly. We assume it won't be long before we see the Americans carrying out two-boat training in Valencia.

Secondly, BMW Oracle is currently building a TP52 yacht, 50km north of Valencia, to be used in the 2008 Audi Medcup circuit. In addition, Russell Coutts will once again call tactics aboard the Swedish TP52 Artemis, joined by a handful of BMW Oracle sailors. As a result, the Americans will be using one and half TP52 for their training.

Last but not least, Russell Coutts and James Spithill will be actively participating in the RC44 racing circuit, starting a month from now in Abu Dhabi.

These exclusive photos are once again from our friend and excellent Valencian photographer Ignacio Baixauli.

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli

James Spithill tests the BMW Oracle Extreme 40 catamaran. Valencia, 8 February 2008. Photo copyright Ignacio Baixauli