BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE WITH KEN READ

What Is It Like to Call the AC36 Play-by-Play?

If you’re looking for a sailing expert for your next racing event on TV, you call Ken Read. The former America’s Cup competitor who became an around-the-world skipper with a maxi-yacht speed record, and our current President of North Sails, Read is one of the most respected names in the sport. He is also one of the four voices behind the all-star line up of commentators for the 36th America’s Cup. The 36th America’s Cup is Read’s third stint as a play-by-play commentator, having performed the same role in San Francisco in 2013 and Bermuda in 2017.

We snuck into the broadcast booth to get a behind-the-scenes experience of what most of you are hearing from your screens. Read makes it look easy but the amount of practice and effort to pull off a smooth show is immense. We just tried to stay out of the way!

Let’s go on air with Ken.