Yachting: Kiwis get chance to take on Spithill

Jimmy Spithill.

The man who crushed Kiwi hearts after staging one of the greatest ever sporting comebacks in the America's Cup is challenging New Zealanders to take him on for a shot at redemption.

One lucky Kiwi will have the chance to take down Jimmy Spithill - the Oracle Team USA skipper and mastermind behind Team New Zealand's historic 2013 yachting defeat - in a gaming event created by Vodafone.

A game playable on smartphones and tablets, where challengers sail around the Hauraki Gulf, was being launched at 6pm tonight on www.vodafonesailing.co.nz. In 10 days' time, the top 10 eligible players will be "invited to create an entertaining sailing commentary video on the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4".

The best entrant will take on Spithill for real, "directing the TeamVodafone Sailing 60-foot trimaran, using Vodafone's 4G network and their Samsung Galaxy Note 4, while in a helicopter above the course in the Hauraki Gulf".

Spithill said he was excited by the challenge - but insisted he'd carry the same edge he had over Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker into the race.

"I'm totally up for it and looking forward to taking on the best that New Zealand can throw at me," he said.

"Vodafone has come up with a race that's high tech, completely unique and open to Vodafone customers.

"I know you all miss me down there and it's a while since you've heard from me. I'm looking forward to getting down there soon - you guys better start practicing. Bring it on," he said in a video statement ahead of the launch.

The virtual sailing game is first, with players getting live wind readings from the Hauraki Gulf as they sail their way around the course.

Game dates:

Game launch on Tuesday, October 14
Game close on Friday, October 24
10 finalists announced on Friday, October 24
10x Samsung Note 4 delivered to top 10 players on Friday, October 24
Commentary submission deadline on Tuesday, October 28
Winner announced on Wednesday, October 29
Race Day (weather dependent) on Thursday, October 30