In 2013, it was announced that Bithell and Patience would part ways, their aim for 470 gold no longer viable. While Patience continued in the 470, Bithell moved on to partner with John Pink in the 49er class. They failed to qualify for Rio 2016, losing out to Dylan Fletcher and Alain Sign. After Rio, Pink and Sign both left the class. This resulted in Bithell and Fletcher teaming up. The decision was made in Portland, while the two competed against each other in the Moth class. They worked tirelessly together to reach Tokyo 2020.
Alongside Fletcher, Bithell competed in 2019's inaugural season of the SailGP, onboard Great Britain SailGP Team. He was flight controller on board. The team finished 4th overall.