Bridges, Boats, Breeze and Bay
“Did you expect to hear from me this summer? It has been go-go-go: everything that has been on hold for the last year-and-a-half hit, and I hardly had time to think, no less write! But it has been exhilarating being back on the water, working with the events and sailors who truly motivate me to capture that ‘Ultimate Sailing’ image!
Transpac and the J/70 Worlds were thrilling: you’ll hear more about that later. For now, it’s on to the Rolex Big Boat Series, which is also the subject of our September pages in the 2021 Ultimate Sailing Calendar.
Girdled by a stunning skyline, the rolling hills of Marin, and distinctive Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay is an amphitheater of beauty and one of the most spectacular sailing venues in the world. But competitors in the Rolex Big Boat Series don’t have time to sightsee. Stiff ocean breeze and tidal currents keep racers vigilant, as they face some of the toughest opponents in this ‘wild west.'
Sailing from the Marin Headlands to the finish off St.FYC. Gentoo and Peregrine on layline to the finish. The late afternoon big breeze and ebb tide makes it great for photos.
At the end of the day, teams socialize on the boats. Beer is delivered to the dock. Friday is the fun Mt Gay Rum night with the Food Trucks
We were on a Protector 28 expertly driven by Pat Lopez and I was working with the talented Peter Lyons.
I was shooting with CANON 5D MARK IV LENS 200-400 1.4 and Canon 1DX and lens 100-400 and a 24-105 wide angle.
Mid-September in San Francisco Bay is typically crisp and windy. Sometimes a bit of fog in the morning. The best conditions are when there is an ebb tide. I’m excited about 2021 Rolex Big Boat Series: The Classics are back and they are grand to photograph with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. In addition to the ORR fleet, there are several one design classes including J/70s, J/88’s, J/105s and Express 37s.
Looking forward to my favorite regatta of the year. Hope to see you there September 15 - 19, 2021.
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.
View the images by clicking the 40th button
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Sharon Green
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