J Class Worlds
As exciting and dynamic as it was to shoot the America’s Cup and those crazy, super-sonic catamarans, my recent trip to the east coast to photograph the inaugural J Class World Championship was just as thrilling. It’s ironic, because the Js started out as America’s Cup boats - 80 years ago! My, how things have changed!
These yachts are all grace and majesty, and a bit intimidating to shoot. Especially with such challenging conditions: fickle winds and flat water – which can be good for the racers, but bad for photos.
The regatta was plagued with light air, causing dock holds and long postponements, waiting for the sea breeze to fill in. One day they didn’t start racing until late late afternoon! That is frustrating and discouraging, all that lost momentum, and lost time and money too; trying to time the aerials, with a helicopter sitting on the pad and meter ticking. All when I could be processing images and editing and updating my galleries.
And so many other photographers from all over the world were there to shoot the event. It’s always fun working alongside so many of my wonderful colleagues, but I was really forced to push my limits and try to do something different to stand out. I was proud to hear the compliments of some of my most esteemed peers, in the media center each night.
I pressed for a spot to sail onboard the recently launched J Class Yacht SVEA with and all-star crew. After getting my matching crew issue I worked my way on deck around the boat, forward and aft to capture the crew in action. Moments after we were given the safety instructions and to keep an eye out for man overboards, the bowman went overboard in a starting sequence. These boats do not have any lifelines so the bowmen often go overboard. He was ok and picked-up by a support rib and plopped back on the boat.
In the end the event was worth it! The images I captured were truly unparalleled – in part because of the power and grandeur of the boats, in Bristol condition; but in part too because of their impressive spic ‘n span crews, the incredible lighting and backdrop.
Also in News
Make mine a double
The January pages of the 2025 Ultimate Sailing Calendar: in Luca Butto’s featured image the crew hikes hard, defying the explosion of spray buffeting the maxi yacht Cannonball, as it plows to weather at the Tre Golfi Sailing Week in Naples. In the inset image, at the bottom, Stefano Gattini captures the Club Swan 36 Farstar in hot pursuit at the Swan Croatia Challenge.
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+About Ultimate Sailing
Sailing is a magnificent, colorful and dramatic sport. This unique sport has many variables with the constantly changing elements, sea conditions, boats, events, competitors and locations. The challenge is to capture on film electrifying moments that take your breath away. Those moments and opportunities are very few, but when they happen... it is ultimate sailing." ~ Sharon Green
Sharon Green has been capturing electrifying images of performance sailing for more than 40 years. Her annual Ultimate Sailing Calendar, featuring the highlights of competitive sailing, is eagerly anticipated by yachting and photography enthusiasts worldwide. Sharon has been published in major boating publications, both locally and internationally, since she first took up a camera while still in high school.
The pursuit of 'Ultimate Sailing' images never seems to grow old. Four decades and I still love the challenge of creating memorable images for my clients and the calendar."
Sharon is happiest when she is on the water or hanging from a helicopter in search of the elusive image that can be called 'Ultimate Sailing'. "My greatest satisfaction is when it all comes together: the anticipation, planning, organizing, traveling and epic conditions that combine to create a thrilling photograph.
The passage of time eludes our grasp: we can only look back in awe and look forward in anticipation. Never did I expect, 40 years ago, that my vision of creating the Ultimate Sailing Calendar would endure and provide such an extraordinary life experience. boundless advancements in sailing, and concurrently radical developments in camera and photographic technology, have kept me on my toes and the years have swept by! I find myself at this landmark anniversary: humbled by your patronage and inspired by your support. To my many friends, colleagues, clients, and subjects who have sustained and fueled this endless passion for capturing the ultimate Sailing image, I extend my deepest love and gratitude.
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Sharon Green
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