Under Full Sail

A classic image of massed yachts with spinnakers billowing. If anything. I might have boosted the colours and the contrast in this image but that's a minor quibble and a matter of aesthetic judgement. Otherwise, the initial focus on the leading boat works well as a foreground to the following flotilla and there is a pleasing flow of almost pastel shades between the sea and the sky. This composition fits the brief perfectly and takes my First Place award. ... Many congratulations on producing this accomplished classic!

Another action shot and this captures takes my 4th Place because I really loved the crispness and the dynamic drive of the image. It's coming straight at me and the image grabbed my attention as soon as it was uploaded. Excellent work! ...

I couldn't resist this shot of the aftermath of an unfortunate accident. Sometimes 'under full sail' goes wrong ... but this is not just a documentary capture, it's also well seen and well composed with the diagonal of the hull balanced by the figures top and bottom. Even the placement of the outboard rib provides visual stability in the image. Another great moment. Thank you for sharing it with us ...

Another great action shot and I particularly liked this capture because we're not quite sure what happens next and that adds a tension to the narrative that is enhanced by the billowing sail pulling our point of focus out of the composition before it revolves back to the precariously balanced figure on deck. A great 'decisive moment' and a very worthy Third Place. Many congratulations ...

I loved the sheer power of this image and the huge sail bearing down on us makes a great graphic impact. These shots aren't easy so many congratulations to the photographer. A very highly commended placement in my Top Ten.

I picked this composition for my Top Ten because this one isn't about competition, it's all about sailing for pleasure on inland waters ... and what could be more pleasurable or visually pleasing than a vintage sailboat under full sail on the Norfolk Boroads. If there's a sailing equivalent of a pastoral scene then, in my book, this is it. Tastefully rendered and classically composed. Thank you ...

I really liked this capture. Another 'decisive moment' ... What happens next? Both boats are under full sail and I love the seemingly noncholalant way that the crew in the foreground boat are almost casually watching what could be oncoming disaster ... A really well framed and timed shot and a very worthy place in my Top Ten ... Well done!

This image fitted the brief perfectly and it also stood out for me because it seemed to capture the light and the energy of this magnificent looking vessel under full sail ... and that's exactly what I was looking for and hoping for when I created his contest. Very well done and thanks for sharing ... A very commendable Fifth Place.

I selected this image for my Top Ten because it provided a different angle of view without losing the drive of this boat running before the wind. The green buoy works as perfectly placed visual punctuation and the shot selection also really works for me. I might have brightened the image more in post-processing and possibly lifted the colour of the sea in layers but that's a subjective observation. I took the image as it stands and that was more than enough for my Top Ten. Very well done ...

This dynamic action shot taken from another moving boat takes my second place. I particularly liked the controlled energy and dynamism of the shot. It's a mini photo essay on competing in this skilled and technical sport. A highly commendable Second Place ... Well done!

I am commending this capture but that decision was borderline and ... I hope this is not unfair because it’s a great shot ... but I felt that I needed to flag this image up to hopefully explain something about rules of composition. As photographers, the elements of composition are often ‘visual habits’ we acquire without realising how they work and, like all rules, they are made to be broken ... if there is a creative reason to break the rule. So, let’s be frank here: I really loved this image but I was also really irritated by it and I could not understand why ... until the penny dropped: Rule of Odds or Odd Numbers [google if you must] .... Simply hold your hand against the left hand side of your screen, block out yacht #4 and that composition is nailed ... Three boats work better than four. For me, once I’d questioned myself and the composition, that was the difference between my awarding a Top Ten and a 'conditionally commended’ slot... I sincerely hope that’s helpful.

You don't have to know anything about sailing to appreciate that this must be a remarkable vessel. So I googled ... and what a wonderful documentary record of a remarkable yacht this is... The Meriquita was originally built in 1911 and spent years as a hulk before being restored to her former racing glory. She is now one of the finest vintage yachts afloat and she simply radiates class. The photograph is not quite in my Top Ten (against some very tough competition) but very highly commended. I loved this image ... ...