Celebrating professional marine photography

While the 14th edition of the Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image contest approaches its entry deadline, it was great news for Cory Silken Photography to receive first prize in the third edition of the Gustavia Yacht Club Photography Contest, with the theme “Wind in the Sails.”

Based in Newport, Rhode Island, Silken captured the 56m sailing yacht Aquarius surfing downwind under spinnaker at the St. Barth’s Bucket regatta.

“The St. Barth’s Bucket is a stunning playground for the world’s most extraordinary superyachts,” says Silken. “Creating an image like this begins with the passion of the owner and skill of a fantastic group producing the yacht, requires a huge team effort managing and sailing the boat.

“Then there is the foresight of my clients bringing me on location, a lot of advance planning, and a bit of luck with the weather! With the breeze in excess of twenty knots and huge seas, it’s tough work keeping up with a yacht like this in a chase boat.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation auditorium during the Monaco Classic Week regatta, attended by esteemed members of the Gustavia Yacht Club, contest jurors, participating photographers, sponsors, and guests from the Yacht Club de Monaco and Manhattan Yacht Club.

An invitational event, the Contest has the distinction of being the world’s only yachting photography competition for full time professional photographers.

“Not having the typical Caribbean ‘brochure weather’ presents other challenges too, but ultimately the dramatic light illuminating Aquarius’ massive green spinnaker made a compelling scene,” noted Silken. “As my chase boat rose on the crest of a wave, while Aquarius plowed down another wave, I was drawn to the geometry of her billowing sails from the leeward side.

“I know that I speak for many photographers in expressing thanks for the Gustavia Yacht Club’s appreciation for professional marine photography. It’s great to have a competition that focuses on the work of seasoned professionals who have dedicated their lives to a challenging career on the water.

“The importance of this contest is about more than promoting a winning image or sponsor, but how we collectively communicate the sport of sailing to the world.”

Following presentation of the awards, prints of the top 10 winning photographs were auctioned off, with proceeds supporting Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM), the French marine rescue association.