Blue on blue on blue. How can one word embrace so many hues and moods? But the symphony of blues on the May pages of the 2024 Ultimate Sailing Calendar do just that. The solid intensity of the 85-foot maxi yacht Deep Blue.
The frothy ombre of the sea. The ethereal powder-puff of the sky. The severe slate of the perfectly trimmed sails. The vibrant capri of the sailors’ crew shirts. Blue is a color that represents loyalty, confidence, intelligence and strength, and in this case also illustrates Sharon Green’s mastery and artistry as a premier yachting photographer.
The images depicted in May in the 2024 Ultimate Sailing Calendar were captured during the 2022 Les Voiles de St. Barth Richard Mille (LVSB), one of the more elite yacht racing events in the world. It has been held annually off the posh Caribbean island of St Barthélemy: for more details about this exciting regatta see our July 2023 blog ‘Jolt ‘N Jibe’ https://www.ultimatesailing.com/blogs/news/jolt-n-jibe ]
Sharon recalled the weather was ‘fresh to frightening’ – surely her favorite conditions but also the most treacherous (although she is never one to shy away from the thrill of the chase). “It had been blowing for days and the seas were huge!” she revealed. “This was the very first day of racing and I was on a Contender (a speedy offshore fishing boat). There were massive seas and it was extremely challenging to follow the race boats around the islands. It was totally victory at sea!”
Courses wrap around the rugged, elbow-shaped island and rocky islets, with adrenaline-charged beats and exhilarating runs. ‘No match for the impressive Deep Blue though: at 85-feet long with a crew of roughly 25.
This stunning yacht is owned by Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of 11th Hour Racing. Launched in 2020, the pandemic kept the yacht on the sidelines until 2021, but Schmidt and crew quickly came up to speed. In the 2022 LVSB racing against Vesper, Bella Mente, Prospector and Rambler 88, Deep Blue earned a bullet in Race Four and finished third overall.
“The challenges of shooting in these conditions are part of what make it so rewarding,” Sharon added. “Adjusting my setting, framing my shots … I’m fully immersed in the moment as I seek to capture the energy and beauty of the scene unfolding before me.” These moments frozen in time were created with the Canon EOS R5, with RF100-500mm, f/5 1/4000 sec.
** We interrupt this blog to bring you an exciting sneak peak at the 2024 America’s Cup! **
I’m writing this blog from the rooftop brasserie of the Hotel Intercontinental in Barcelona, Spain. From my sumptuous aerie I can see the expanse of Balearic Sea and feel the sea breeze that has made this Mediterranean gem the select location for the upcoming 37th America’s Cup regatta. Starting in August 2024 the Challenger of Record INEOS Britannia will square off against four other international teams to see who will face cup-holder Emirates Team New Zealand in the final series. But first, the third annual UniCredit Youth America’s Cup and inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup will take place. It’s a three-month extravaganza of high-octane racing action and you are invited to attend!
For three robust days TourSpain opened the doors of Barcelona to me. We explored the Port Vell (old port) where most of the campaigns are headquartered, including an exclusive visit into the Alinghi Red Bull Racing base.
Nestled nearby: rival INEOS Britannia’s base, the Maritime Museum and The America’s Cup Experience – a multi-media presentation that combines history with futuristic technology. Check out the virtual reality simulator which gives you a thrilling and accurate recreation of racing onboard the cutting-edge AC75s. Barcelona has plenty of sites and activities for visitors of all ages, and with race days spaced generously throughout the calendar there’s also plenty of time to explore. From the Mirador torre Glòries tower to the Casa Batlló by Gaudí, to delicious tapas at Oxid La Tertulia, and the hum of music on the streets: Barcelona is a feast for all senses. So join the party in Barcelona this fall! Sharon will be shooting, I will be writing, and the world will be watching as the 37th America’s Cup gets underway.
#AmericasCup #TurismeBarcelona #IntercontinentalHotelBarcelona #TourSpain #TouristOfficeofSpainInLos Angeles
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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.
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.
View the images by clicking the 40th button
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