Rome Kirby California, USA

At the age of 23, Rome Kirby is the youngest member of Oracle Team USA sailing team, however this does not faze Kirby, who has been sailing since he was three years old.

In July 2012, Kirby completed the around the world Volvo Ocean Race onboard with the PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG crew. He sailed more than 39,000 nautical miles, hitting 10 ports as they circumnavigated the globe. He was the youngest sailor in the fleet.

Kirby shifted from offshore racing to sailing on the Bay at the start of September 2012 when he joined the team at Pier 80 full-time. While he’s new to sailing in San Francisco, it’s still familiar territory. He grew up around the America’s Cup as his father, Jerry Kirby, is a veteran of six campaigns.

In 2014 Rome Kirby was recognised with the Boater of the Year award at Providence Boat Show after being the America’s Cup winner with Oracle Team USA and has completed the grueling Volvo Ocean Race. He was recognised for being an inspirational figure to all the young Rhode Island sailors.