Pre-order the 2025 Ultimate Sailing Calendar - Shipping October 15th.

The odd years

by Betsy Senescu September 24, 2023

It’s been an odd year! Not as in “unusual” but as in “odd” numbered: 2023. Which means we’ve been up to our ears this summer with Transpac: a thrilling but exhausting whirlwind that happens every other year. So ‘apologies for the delay: this is your July/August Ultimate Sailing blog at last!

The July images represent Giulio Testa’s debut to the Ultimate Sailing Calendar.

This talented young (26-year-old) photographer was born in Naples, Italy where his father was a skipper in the Napoli Gulf. Giulio grew up on the water and became enamored with maritime photography. In particular, he became a huge fan of the fantastic work of our colleague Carlo Borlenghi. I mean: who isn’t a fan of Carlo? [See our November 2020 blog here: https://www.ultimatesailing.com/blogs/news/reflections-carlo-borlenghi]. As an up-and-coming photographer Giulio was determined to meet Carlo and several years ago he got his chance: getting aboard the same photo boat during a race in Capri. Giulio has  been collaborating with Carlo ever since.

Since that time Giulio has worked on scores of prestigious events; both as Carlo’s assistant, as official photographers for the Luna Rossa campaign in the 2021 America’s Cup; and on some of the most elite nautical events in the Mediterranean – including the Swan Nations Trophy regatta depicted here.

The Nations Trophy was launched in 2017 by Nautor’s Swan to revitalize true international competition. “The Nations Trophy is an opportunity to bring sailors from different countries together, to place them in friendly, fair-spirited confrontation and to see which is the best,” announced Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor’s Swan. “It is so lovely when countries get together in fair, gentleman-like competition in boats so similar that you put in challenge real human values and skills.” In four days of racing  featuring Swan 42s, 45s and 50s classes, competitors enjoy concierge management, close competition, and camaraderie in the most desirable venues in the world.

Photo Credit: Studio Borlenghi

Giulio has captured the grace and competitive spirit of this illustrious fleet in these images, and says he is especially proud to be featured in the ‘best sailing calendar in the world.’ We’re glad to have you too, Giulio!

August’s images in the 2023 Ultimate Sailing Calendar highlight more of the dynamic work of Jesús Renedo and Pedro Martinez whose combined superpowers make up “Sailing Energy.” 

Capturing the long-awaited Olympic Games in Enoshima, Japan was a challenge, with a myriad of conditions facing the competitors and photographers alike! Here the men’s 470 racers get airborne on a blustery day. Below, these 14-foot dinghies battle through chop in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. For more about Pedro and Jesus’ spectacular work on the Olympics, see our Feb. 2023 blog here:  https://www.ultimatesailing.com/blogs/news/worth-the-wait  It's titled ‘Worth the Wait’ and we hope these notes were also worth waiting for! We appreciate your patience!

 




Betsy Senescu
Betsy Senescu

Author




Also in News

Color is back in the world of sailing
Color is back in the world of sailing

by Betsy Senescu October 07, 2024

Everywhere there’s a pop of color – in the spinnakers, graphics and the depth of the sea – adding to sailing’s multi-sensory sport, art and passion. ‘Like the intense vermilion and marigold of Fast Exit II’s sail plan; the tones emblemizing the force and fury of the yacht as it plows through the azure waves of Hawaii.

Read More

The Opti-mal Angle
The Opti-mal Angle

by Betsy Senescu September 03, 2024

These dynamic images from Optimist regattas on opposite sides of the globe show just how far he (Matias Capizzano)  will go to capture the sport – from any angle, in any place!

“Matias is an incredibly versatile photographer,” Sharon Green asserts. “He operates underwater with his housing, flies a drone, drives his own rib, and captures phenomenal stills and video!”

Read More

Cool, calm and crackin!
Cool, calm and crackin!

by Betsy Senescu August 08, 2024

We turn the tables on you with the August pages of the 2024 Ultimate Sailing Calendar. This exhilarating image of the TP52 Vitesse – cool, calm, and crackin’ down the Molokai Channel – was captured by our own intrepid Sharon Green: clearly hovering just inches above the spray! An added perspective on this shot comes to you from Vitesse skipper Thomas Furlong on the water, not just our aerial wizard.

Read More

Step aboard and become a part of our CREW!

Every month, you'll receive a fresh and vibrant background image that's handpicked by our team. These images are exclusively shared via our monthly blog, a treasure trove of engaging content. Not only will your device's wallpaper stay trendy, but you'll also enjoy a constant stream of captivating, curated content.