I walk my neighborhood 2-3 times a week. Usually a fixed route down Post Road to Pawtuxet Village crossing the bridge on Broad Street passing Rhodes continuing on to Albert Street where I head towards Narragansett Boulevard. Turning right on the Boulevard I am making my way back home. All in all a three mile walk. As I was passing the Edgewood Yacht club I paused for a “look through” finding the foundation pilings for the new yacht club in place while workers were welding supports in place from piling to piling. This time of year the club was pretty secluded as workers were removing and securing equipment for the winter soon to follow. Suddenly there was a flurry of activity as young men and women walked the floating docks towards some sailboats, the kind you see frequently in groups on and around the bay. Off came the protective canvas covers and quickly the sails rose as boat by boat was pushed into the water sailing off to mid bay. As usual, I do not take my walk without having my camera at my side. Taking advantage of this happenstance I snapped several images of the unfurling and sailing off of many a skiff. Conversing with the sailors I learned they were all from Brown University and were part of Brown’s sailing team. The team sails each Tuesday through Friday at approximately 3pm so I planned to be there the next day to take photographs. I thought, wouldn’t it be cool to be out on the bay taking images imagining wind blown sails, boats leaning, water splashing. I inquired as to who the coach was and soon was in conversation with John Molllicone, Browns’ coach and as I was told a “world class sailor”. Without hesitation I was given permission to get in an inflatable to photograph the regatta. The following Tuesday, on a sunny and warm day, I found myself out on the bay having one enjoyable afternoon. Below are some of the images taken that afternoon.
Howdy Jim – Great day and light for photographing the sailboats. You caught some exciting angles and scenes. Must have been a warm day as the sailors were lightly dressed. What lens and where were you positioned? The rock jetty?
Mike…….70-200 2.8 and was able to get on Brown University inflatable so was pretty close to the racing. I asked the coach if I could go out to photograph with them and he let me on their boat. The water was not smooth and it was difficult getting angles while trying to even sit upright. Had a blast doing this. Thanks for taking a look and for commenting. Appreciated.