Behind the Scenes, July 2026

Sharon Green

The walls of Scuttlebutt HQ include the Ultimate Sailing calendar by Sharon Green, with this behind-the-scenes story by Sharon detailing the July 2026 images.

What do a fleet of colorful 49ers charging beneath glowing spinnakers and a group of Formula Kite riders flying above the water have in common?

At first glance, not much. Yet both moments were captured during the 54th Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Mallorca—and together they tell a fascinating story about Olympic sailing today.

For July, we paired these images because together they tell a story no single photograph could. Captured by the Sailing Energy team (Pedro Martinez and Jesus Renedo), they showcase not only the beauty of Olympic sailing, but also its remarkable evolution.

One image celebrates the teamwork and choreography of the 49er fleet beneath glowing spinnakers. The other reveals the speed and athleticism of Formula Kite, where today’s Olympic sailors spend as much time flying above the water as skimming across it.

The Trofeo Princesa Sofía has long been one of the most important events on the Olympic sailing calendar. Held each spring on the Bay of Palma, it attracts the world’s best sailors as they test new equipment, refine teamwork, and measure themselves against international competition. For many athletes, it marks the first major benchmark on the long road toward the next Olympic Games.

July 2026

Although separated by only a stretch of water, these two fleets represent very different expressions of the sport.

The 49er rewards seamless teamwork, split-second communication, and precision boat handling. Formula Kite pushes athleticism to another level, with riders balancing on hydrofoils at remarkable speeds while harnessing the power of inflatable kites.

Together, they demonstrate how Olympic sailing continues to evolve while demanding the same qualities that have always defined great competitors—skill, strategy, preparation, and determination.

Capturing moments like these requires more than technical ability. Great sailing photography is about recognizing the instant when light, action, and emotion come together to tell the story of an event. These images do exactly that, offering a glimpse into both the tradition and the future of Olympic sailing.

For us, that’s what made this pairing an easy choice for July. Two photographs. One regatta. Two very different perspectives on the sport we love.