Ben Ainslie's parting comments at the London Olympics intrigued Photographers Direct contributor Ken Kay. When asked what his future plans were, he answered that his next challenge lay in San Francisco in preparation for the 2013 Americaʼs Cup.
Knowing that he was travelling to the West Coast of the USA in September, on a once in a lifetime cruise for his Silver Wedding, Ken hoped that he might be in the right place at the right time to photograph some of the action. Unable to find any details online he put such thoughts to the back of his mind, sat back and enjoyed the vacation. After all, Ken knew little about the sailing world and only had two days in the city, so he felt his chances were remote.
Berthing at Pier 35 in San Francisco on the 18th September 2012 Customs wouldnʼt clear passengers to disembark for two hours whilst everyone on the ship was cleared to enter the US. Trudging back despondently to his cabin, Ken ventured onto his balcony and lo and behold, from his elevated vantage point, he was in a lofty position to capture Americaʼs Cup crews training on the Bay below him.
Finally Customs clearance was given and Ken made his way to the waterfront managing to capture some images as the teams sailed by, including an image of the UK boat with Alcatraz as a backdrop.
Cup Fever was beginning to hit the city with promotional banners appearing on Market Street.
On returning home Ken was able to establish that AC45 boats are featured in the pictures, which are used for training, prior to AC72 boats being introduced for the Louis Vuitton challenger section and the Americaʼs Cup finals.
Ken Kay can be contacted via his Photographers Direct Portfolio.
For further information on “the oldest trophy in international sport” follow the link to
http://www.americascup.com/en/
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