On board the big cat – today’s pictures
Emirates Team New Zealand photographer Chris Cameron spends some time on board the AC72….
Today was day 12 of testing for our first AC72, NZL2.
It was also the first time I went for a sail aboard the massive catamaran.
Seeing the amount of real estate available, I thought I was far less likely to get in the way than I did in the cramped version five mono hulls.
Once the boat is powered up, things happen really quickly and I soon realised I’d thought wrong.
Unless you have eyes in the back of your head it is still possible to be in someone’s way.
The sailors cross the 14 metres of platform at a sprint, running around the back edge of the wing to take up their new position on the opposite hull during tacks and gybes.
I soon learned to listen out for the count down to a manoeuvre and get myself out of the runway in good time.
This boat has a whole new set of challenges to overcome for getting shots on board.
Trying to convey the scope of the thing for one. I think I need a wider lens.
The acceleration during a bear away means its more advisable to hold on to the boat than the camera.
I’m pretty happy with my first go at capturing the thrill of being on board one of these beasts.
But I think I can do a lot better with more practice. (That’s a hint to the sailing team:-)