Chasing "Dogzilla"

limeydal · 14 November 2009, 00:23

All fun and games getting ready for the Americas Cup challenge !
The challenger is BMW -Oracle BOR90 (yet un-named ) and practising here in San Diego.
They just changed from a soft sail rig to a rigid wing thats huge

So chased her around wednesday in very calm conditions and got up to about 22 knots.
God knows what she could do in a good wind !
Photos courtesy of another San Diego photog who shot some great images of her.
The "Tall ship" is "America" a replica, who won in the 1000 guinea race in the UK in front of Queen Vic
Not often I get me RIB in shot, so great to get a few,
cheers Dal

JSP · 14 November 2009, 09:07

Nice boat Dal and is that a bit of white L glass I see in your hand?

limeydal · 14 November 2009, 17:36

Good spot !
Its the 28-300 IS L which I find the best overall lens for shooting for this kind of stuff.
A touch heavy at first but you get used to it

cheers Dal

JSP · 14 November 2009, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by limeydal

Good spot !
Its the 28-300 IS L which I find the best overall lens for shooting for this kind of stuff.
A touch heavy at first but you get used to it

cheers Dal

Have heard good things about that lens but never had the chance to use one. I loved my 70-200L IS f2.8 but could have done with more reach with the full frame sensor (even with the X2 extender). Used a 300mmL f2.8 for a bit but that like carrying a dead body round with you.
What body are you using?

limeydal · 15 November 2009, 04:04

Use a Canon 5D body as long as it doesn't get too rough out there. Still have my 20D as backup and miss its speed. But must admit love the full frame quality sensor the 5D has..
Can't really afford to go upmarket really, as sooner orr later I know it's going to take a dip
cheers Dal

kelson · 15 November 2009, 16:23

Nice shots. Was spotting the Oracle boat serendipitous or did you know when they would be out? Sure would like to see that fixed wing myself!

JSP · 15 November 2009, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by limeydal

Use a Canon 5D body as long as it doesn't get too rough out there. Still have my 20D as backup and miss its speed. But must admit love the full frame quality sensor the 5D has..
Can't really afford to go upmarket really, as sooner orr later I know it's going to take a dip
cheers Dal

As you say, the only boggy shooting with the 5D is the speed, plus the crop factor of the 20D would help. But the low noise of the 5D is a winner if things are a bit over cast.
If I had the money I'd go for a 50D and water proof it. The 1D MKIII would be better but the weight would seriously cramp my style.

limeydal · 15 November 2009, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelson

Nice shots. Was spotting the Oracle boat serendipitous or did you know when they would be out? Sure would like to see that fixed wing myself!

Hi Kelson
they just left and are heading out.
I usually check the webcam downtown to see if they are gearing up to leave.
They have about 6 chase boats all around them , when ready to tow out.

http://live6.truelook.com/face/newfa...=33&vfmap.h=22

Best to wait until she's heading back (usually as the sun goes down) as it's difficult catching her once she's up to speed
cheers dal

kelson · 16 November 2009, 21:13

Thank you so much for the link. That is great! I can see the Oracle Boat on the water right now. Will start to check this cam when I have an open schedule. From your experience is there any general time they roll out? I see your post is at 9:30. I'll give mornings a shot.

andyxs · 16 November 2009, 23:01

ahh are you on sailing anarchy as well?

limeydal · 17 November 2009, 05:41

Andy,
that would be a yes! The only place to find good RIBS over here is in support of the Americas Cup

Kelson; they usually dock out at 11.00am but left early sunday to avoid the "traffic"
They have to fix the wing,so should be towards the end of the week before they are out again
cheers Dal