Behind the Scenes, July/August 2023

Sharon Green

The walls of Scuttlebutt HQ include the Ultimate Sailing calendar, with this report sharing the behind-the-scenes story regarding the July/August 2023 images.

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 the Transpac Race: 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. 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.

July 2023

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.

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.

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 2023

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 February 2023 blog. It’s titled ‘Worth the Wait’ and we hope these notes were also worth waiting for! We appreciate your patience!