Fleet Racing Photography
Fleet yacht racing brings together speed, tactics, teamwork and the constant challenge of reading the wind and water. This collection captures the intensity and unpredictability of fleet racing, where multiple boats compete for position and every decision can influence the outcome.
From the opening moments of a race to tight mark roundings and the final approach to the finish, the photographs focus on the interaction between boats, crews and changing conditions.
The challenge of photographing fleet racing is anticipating where the most compelling moment will occur. Boats can move rapidly across the course, positions can change within seconds and wind and light can transform the scene. Careful observation and timing are essential to capture those moments when competition, movement and composition come together.
The collection includes close racing, groups of boats competing for position, individual crews at work and the wider atmosphere of racing on the water. The photographs also explore the relationship between the boats and their surroundings, from calm water and clear skies to challenging weather and dramatic light.
Through more than 30 years of photography, I have developed a particular appreciation for those fleeting moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. These Fleet Racing photographs are an attempt to preserve some of those moments and convey the energy, skill and atmosphere of competitive sailing.
People sailing on a boat during sunset, with a man with white hair wearing sunglasses and a white shirt at the front, surrounded by other crew members on the deck.
Sailboats racing on a body of water with a hilly, tree-lined shoreline in the background.
Sailboat cutting through water at sunset with crew members on deck.
A sailboat with multiple people on board sailing on the water during sunset, with a close-up of the boat's hull and sails capturing sunlight.
A group of people sailing on a sailboat during sunset.
A sailboat named Dancing Star sailing on water at sunset with crew members on deck, sunlight reflecting off the water, and sails unfurled.
A group of people sailing on a boat named 'Dancing Star' during sunset, with several other sailboats visible in the background.
A sailboat with a crew of seven people sailing on the water during sunset, with the sunlight reflecting off the sails and water surface, and mountains visible in the background.
A group of people on a sailboat in motion, with water splashing at the bow. The boat has a white hull with the registration number KY939N. The crew is looking forward, with one person steering and others observing, as the boat navigates through water.
Sailboats on the water with people on board.
Two people onboard a sailboat with several ropes and equipment, sailing during sunset or sunrise on calm water.
Two men sailing a boat during sunset, with the sail visible and the water reflecting the sunlight.
Sailboat with crew members sailing on water during sunset.
A group of people sailing on a boat during sunset, with calm waters and reflective sunlight on the sails.
A sailboat named TAKANI sailing on water with its sails up, with two people visible inside the cabin, and the photo taken from the water level.
A sailboat with two people sailing on the water during sunset, with sunlight reflecting off the surface and sails catching the wind.
A group of people sailing on a boat during sunset, with some in red caps and gloves, working together on the deck.
A sailboat racing on the water with a crew of five people managing the sails and steering, during sunset.
A sailboat with a crew of six people, four men and two women, sailing on calm waters during sunset or sunrise, with the sails catching the wind and the crew adjusting the ropes.
A group of people sailing a boat on the water during sunset, with the sun casting a golden glow and the water shimmering.
A small sailboat with two people, a man and a young girl, sailing on a body of water during sunset. The boat has large sails catching the wind, and the water sparkles in the sunlight.
A sailing yacht with multiple people on board sailing during sunset, with the sun illuminating the sails and creating reflections on the water.
A sailboat with the name TAKANI sailing on water at sunset, with a person visible inside the boat.
Sailboats sailing on the water at sunset with crew members on deck.
A sailboat with a white hull numbered 221, sailing on the water during sunset, with people on board and one person standing on the side.
A sailboat with multiple people on deck sailing on the water during sunset. The boat is white with a large sail, and the sunlight reflects off the water's surface, creating a golden glow.
A sailboat with multiple people on board sailing on water during sunset, with the sunlight reflecting off the water.
A sailboat named 'Dancing Star' sailing on water during sunset with four people on board, surrounded by shimmering waves.
A sailboat with a group of people aboard, sailing on the water during sunset, with the sunlight reflecting off the water and the boat's sails.
Sailing boat with crew members navigating through water during sunset or sunrise, with a blurred background of another boat and a marker buoy nearby.
A sailboat moving through water at sunset with crew members onboard, the reflection of the sun shimmering on the water.
People sailing on a boat during sunset or sunrise, with sunlight reflecting off the water.
A sailboat on the water during sunset with three people aboard. The boat is moving forward, creating waves and reflections on the water, with a golden glow illuminating the scene.
Four people on a sailboat, with a man steering and others seated, sailing on the water with a hilly shoreline in the background during sunset.
Four people are on a boat, working together, with water droplets and sunlight in the background.
A sailboat moving quickly across a body of water during sunset, with a person on board, surrounded by sparkling reflections on the water surface and a blurred tree-lined shoreline in the background.
People sailing a boat with a large tan sail on a body of water during sunset, with a forested shoreline in the background.
A group of five people wearing red shirts sailing on a white sailboat during sunset, with a large sail catching the wind and water splashing at the boat's bow.
A racing sailboat with a crew of sailors wearing red shirts and white hats, speeding through the water with large sails, during sunset or golden hour.
A sailing yacht with a group of people on board, navigating through the water with the sail caught in the wind. The crew members are wearing life jackets and hats, and the yacht is moving at a high speed, creating a splash in the water.
A sailboat with multiple crew members sailing on the water during sunset, with shimmering water and a distant shoreline in the background.
A group of people on a sailboat racing on the water, wearing red and white clothing, some with hats and sunglasses, including a person holding a blue, white, and red flag. The sailboat has various brand logos and text, and the water sparkles in the sunlight.
A sailboat on the water with a crew of people dressed in white shirts and hats, the boat named Ghost Rider, with large black sails, during a sunny day.
A sailing yacht with a large grey sail named 'Wild Oats XI' racing on the water, crew members in red shirts sitting on the edge of the boat, and a scenic background with trees.
Sailboats racing on the water with a forested hillside in the background under a clear blue sky.
A crew of sailors wearing red shirts and hats on a racing sailboat with Coca-Cola branding, waving and celebrating, with a background of trees and residential houses.
A group of people, mostly wearing white shirts, sailing on a boat during sunset. One person is taking a photo with a smartphone. The boat has a visible logo and a partly visible web address.