Martina Orsini wins Image Award 2025

A total of 120 marine photographers representing 26 nations took part in the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025. The awards ceremony took place during the 2025 Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam, in front of leading personalities from across the sport, on November 21.

Martina Orsini

Italian photographer Martina Orsini has won the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025 with a photo taken during Foiling Week in Malcesine.

Martina is the first woman to win the prestigious contest, now in its 16th edition. She finishes ahead of Eugenia Bakunova and Olivier Blanchet, while Suellen Hurling receives the Public Award based on online votes.

“Winning this year’s edition of the contest means a lot to me”, she said. “I am very proud to be the first woman to receive this award, but at the same time, I’ve always believed that photography has no gender. What truly matters is the work behind every image, the commitment, the instinct, the hours spent chasing the right moment on the water.

“For me, this recognition is above all a celebration of that journey: twelve years of trying, learning, evolving, and giving everything to this sport and this craft.

“If this award can also inspire others to believe in their own path, then it becomes even more meaningful. On a more personal note, it feels like a reminder that every early morning, every cold day on a RIB, every risk taken to get closer to the action, and every moment of doubt along the way were all worth it.”

Born in 1986, Martina Orsini is based between Milan and Cyprus. She graduated in Philosophy in 2010, earned a Master’s degree in Visual Arts, and began her career as a sailing photographer in 2012. “I see myself not only as a photographer but also as a storyteller, a globe-trotter, a deeply committed sea-lover and adrenaline addict, always trying to go beyond my limits”, she explains.

“Martina’s image captures the essence of foiling: speed, innovation, and emotion, all wrapped into one dramatic frame. The composition is not only technically striking but artistically profound,” said Niels Klarenbeek, Director of RAI Maritime Events and a member of the international jury.

Eugenia Bakunova placed second with a beautiful photograph of the yacht Lady Anne taken during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, while Olivier Blanchet (FRA) finished third with an image of Charlie Dalin’s triumphant arrival in the Vendée Globe.

Suellen Hurling

The Public Award, based on online votes, was won by New Zealand photographer Suellen Hurling for her picture of Mattias Coutts and George Lee-Rush during the Moth World Championships in Auckland, followed by Sebastiaan Zoomers (NED) and Tom Coehoorn (NED).

“The collection of photos has been outstanding. It is amazing to see the level of talent and diversity of perspectives across all the images and sailing disciplines,” said Holly Cova, Team Director of Team Malizia and member of the international jury.

“As a board member of The Magenta Project, it is great to see a female photographer walk away with this prestigious award, and with such a dynamic and emotive image.”

Created in 2010, the Yacht Racing Image Award is the leading photography competition dedicated to sailing as a competitive sport, honoring the most beautiful photographs taken each year.

Launched in 2010, the 16th edition recognized images captured between October 14, 2024 and October 12, 2025. The prize-giving ceremony took place during the Yacht Racing Forum on November 21, 2025.

• Contest rules: https://www.yachtracingimage.com/contest/rules.html

Two prizes will be awarded:
• The main prize, the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award, selected by the International Jury.
• The Public Award, based on the number of public votes cast on the internet.

The winner of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image award received €1500 prize money, with second receiving €750 and third place getting €250 prize money. The winner of the Public Award received €500 prize money.

Source: MaxComm Communication