America's Cup World Series

I had my first experience with the America's Cup World Series in San Francisco.  I know nothing of the world of crazy high speed sailboat racing, and was totally unprepared for how fast these guys go.  I got to spend some time out on the boats shooting the actual races, and also shooting the Team Oracle taking their new 72-foot catamaran out for a test run (sadly it was totaled in a crash yesterday).  I also got to spend some time with Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill, who is a really good guy and phenomenal sailor.  I had a ton of fun with all of this, and managed to always stay in the boat, although it was extremely difficult at times.  I also had the (apparently) unique experience of being hit by a catamaran in the race, twice.  The America's Cup guy driving the boat I was on said it had only happened to him once in his career, then twice in one day.  Pretty sure that means I'm lucky?  Although if I was on a smaller boat, I don't think I'd be saying the same thing....

This is what it looks like seconds before a 45-ft catamaran rams into you

The Oracle 72-ft catamaran on a test run

Hanging out with Jimmy Spithill.  This guy's in ridiculous shape.