Rome Kirby is an American sailor who has competed in the Volvo Ocean Race and multiple America's Cups.
Kirby is a native of Newport, Rhode Island.[1] His father, Jerry Kirby, has sailed in three Volvo Ocean Races and six America's Cups.[2] They are believed to be the first father and son to win the America's Cup.[3][4]
Kirby was an alternate for Puma Racing, supporting Il Mostro during the 2008–09 Volvo Ocean Race.[5] He then sailed with Puma Racing on Mar Mostro during the 2011–12 Volvo Ocean Race. He was the youngest sailor in the six-boat fleet.[3]
Kirby then joined Oracle Racing and sailed on Oracle Team USA 17 as a trimmer, when it successfully defended the 2013 America's Cup.[6] He was the youngest sailor on the boat.[7]
He remained with the team and sailed in the 2011–13 America's Cup World Series as a tactician but did not sail in the 2017 America's Cup, acting as a reserve.[8][9]
Rome Kirby became the Captain of Team USA for SailGP in 2019.[10][11][12]