Martina Orsini wins the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025
by Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 21 Nov 14:05 GMT
21 November 2025
Italian photographer Martina Orsini has won the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025 with a photo taken during Foiling Week in Malcesine. Suellen Hurling receives the Public Award based on online votes.
"Winning this year's edition of the contest means a lot to me", Martina 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.
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).
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 Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam, in front of leading personalities from across the sport.
"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. 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," said Holly Cova, Team Director of Team Malizia and member of the international jury.
Created in 2010, the Yacht Racing Image Award is the leading photography competition dedicated to sailing as a competitive sport, honouring the most beautiful photographs taken each year. "I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our partner, the yacht and boat insurance company Pantaenius, which shares our passion for the sport of sailing," said Bernard Schopfer, the event organiser.
"The photo captures a moment of dynamism in the world of foiling. The close-up frame shows the bow of a Moth skimming and crashing through the water spray, while the sailor — partly hidden behind the dark sail — fights to keep control. The cold, sharp light enhances the metallic reflections of the hull and the suspended droplets, creating a dramatic, intense atmosphere. The diagonal composition adds a sense of vertigo, perfectly conveying the speed, tension, and instability typical of foiling. It's an image that speaks of balance on the edge, of strength and precision."
Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award:
1. Martina Orsini
2. Eugenia Bakunova
3. Olivier Blanchet
Public Award:
1. Suellen Hurling
2. Sebastiaan Zoomers
3. Tom Coehoorn