Photo: Sarah Seaman

What would classic sailing be without the ability to show off the stunning beauty of the yachts that make up the fleet? If you are an owner of, or crew aboard, one or more of these boats, you know that they have the power to evoke an emotional response in those who see them. Because of that they should be shown off as much as possible. Thankfully, the CYOA has relationships with some of the world’s top sailing photographers—making it easy for our members to display how gorgeous their boats look in CYCS regattas.

Photographing classic yachts and classic sailing is more than just a hobby. It takes skill, patience, knowledge of seamanship, and good instincts. Photographers at regattas are often hard at work, with hardly a moment to sit down and enjoy the scenery or a cocktail at the social events. But for a lot of photographers, it is a labor of love. “Classics are a work of art in my humble opinion,” says Sarah Seaman, who has been a photographer for many sailing events, including the CYCS’s Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta. For Keith Luke, who shoots the Boothbay Regatta and Shipyard Classic, it was family history that got him into classics photography. “I grew up in the marine industry—my grandfather and father built many classic yachts, and I was fortunate to grow up in the midst of both classic yachts, and well-known professional photographers.”

All the effort that these photographers have put in over the years has made them experts in what makes for a great shot during a regatta. “Boats stand out when the crew are engaged in what they are doing,” adds Kathy Mansfield. “Put your phone/camera away, don’t stare at the photographer, take covers off your hatches, look happy!” In addition to shooting regattas such as the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta and the Camden Feeder Races, Mansfield also writes about classic yachts, which helps inform and sharpen her photography.

“What makes these vessels stand out to me is the owners that keep their boats to the true likeness of when they were originally made,” Seaman says. However, she adds that owners and crew should also keep their lines from hanging over the sides and dragging in the water. This helps keep boats looking truly ship-shape.

Luke notes that regatta organizers also play a role in ensuring great shots. “Organizers can provide authorized photographers with a flag identifying who they are out on the course and alert racers that there will be authorized photographers out on the course.” He also says that to stand out, crew should be sure to look busy when the photo boat comes by. “Sails trimmed correctly is a must, and it’s hard to beat a well dressed crew.” Mansfield says that regatta organizers can be immensely helpful by providing sail numbers with the list of competing boats, so that they can be easily identified on the water.

While all the CYCS regattas take place amidst gorgeous backgrounds, the professional photographers have some preferences they have in what is captured behind the main subject. Rugged coastlines, scenic lighthouses, and classic New England summer settings all make for good backgrounds to classic yacht shots.

Classic sailing photography keeps the memories of regattas alive and makes it easy to share the beauty of classic yachts far and wide. Thanks to the hard work photographers put in, CYOA members and competitors in CYCS regattas have a wealth of content to view every summer. Check out ClassicYachts.org/Photography for our photographers’ contact information and samples of their work—and be sure to give them a wave out on the water this season!