Please select your home edition
Edition
Sea Sure 2025

Behind the shot - Richard Mille Cup, Falmouth

by Paul Gibbins Photography 8 Jun 2024 16:55 BST
Richard Mille Cup in Falmouth © Paul Gibbins Photography

Some more Photographs from the Richard Mille Cup Classic Yacht racing event in Falmouth recently. Paul Gibbins Photography, based in the South West, visited on Day three of racing to capture some amazing images.

If you like sailboats, you can't help be drawn to a Classic Yacht. There's something extremely photogenic about something so nostalgic, detailed, traditional and if you're lucky, so large. The moving parts of sail canvas, rope, sheets, halyards and blocks are often quite obvious providing a natural interest for photos. The UK doesn't often see these really big boats, associated with more warmer climes, but being based in Devon, I wasn't going to miss this unusual event only a short RIB ride away.

Shooting entirely for my own interest, I got lucky with some fantastic crisp Cornish sun, light winds and calm seas. With about a dozen craft sailing gently in Falmouth Bay, the course was huge, allowing plenty of space for spectator boats and chase RIBs to follow and enjoy. By contrast to photographing bigger fleet yacht racing, where keeping out of the way is key, I could relax and get a little closer. These guys were racing, but well spaced apart, no-one had any interest to calling 'water' in so precious of yachts.

I normally pack a host of telephoto lens, but for simplicity i went for 300mm & 50mm primes, the latter to get everything in the frame! I enjoy getting close up shots of crew, spoilt for choice with so many required onboard here, but I was also faced with the challenge of capturing some of the 'grandeur'; the size & scale of these yachts is incredible - a joy to photograph.

paulgibbinsphotography.pixieset.com/richardmillecup2024

@paulgibbinsphotography

Related Articles

11th edition of “Between Wood and Water”
The event will take place inside the Officine dell'Acqua shipyard and museum in Laveno Mombello The annual national Convention on Historic Boats, organized by the Officine dell'Acqua Foundation and AVEV, the Verbano Vintage Sails Association, returns on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Posted on 18 Jan
Norman R. Wright & Sons' history on show in Sydney
A once in 117-year showcase will moor at The Australian National Maritime Museum A once in 117-year showcase will moor at The Australian National Maritime Museum, 16 to 20 January 2026. Posted on 14 Jan
Parade of Sail to set 80th Sydney Hobart scene
In recognition of the founding fathers of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race In recognition of the founding fathers of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a Parade of Sail will precede the start of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's 80th edition of the race on Boxing Day. Posted on 23 Dec 2025
Huff of Arklow set for restoration
The Uffa Fox designed yacht is believed to be the only Flying 30 left A world famous racing yacht will be heading to Holyhead in the next few weeks to be restored to her former glory. Posted on 20 Dec 2025
Maritimo duo primed for the 80th RSHYR
The most luxurious 100-foot yacht to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race In the milestone 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which has attracted 133 entries, Maritimo will compete with two stand-out yachts. Posted on 18 Dec 2025
CYOA 2025 in review
Reflections on a memorable year The 2025 CYOA season reinforced what many classic yacht enthusiasts already know: that these boats are far more than artifacts—they remain vibrant testimony to maritime history and formidable competitors in storied regattas. Posted on 16 Dec 2025
2025 Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta Preview
A record fleet of 36 classic yachts is expected for the three-day regatta The best-looking boats in Australia will be on display this weekend (12-14 December) for the 2025 Club Marine Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta, hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). Posted on 11 Dec 2025
Designing and building a modern cruising dinghy
A dinghy cruising resurgence is upon us! A dinghy cruising resurgence is upon us! Perhaps it's due to the increasing costs of owning larger boats, or the romance fuelled by books like Swallows and Amazons and Those Snake Island Kids, or the fact that cruising dinghies can be built by anyone. Posted on 1 Dec 2025
West Country Classic Series 2025
Saltash SC hosts prize-giving sponsored by Hattiers Rum Classic yacht skippers and crews, whose race achievements had scored points in The West Country Classic Series, first established in 2021, gathered at Saltash Sailing Club in November for the annual prize-giving sponsored by Hattiers Rum. Posted on 27 Nov 2025
The Auckland Wooden Boat Festival is back
Celebrate wooden boats across the ditch Come join AWBF as we head over to New Zealand for the second biennial Auckland Wooden Boat Festival held along Auckland's vibrant waterfront from 13-15 March 2026. Posted on 2 Nov 2025