Live Sail Die photo wins Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image PUBLIC Award

A foiling Moth sailor in a yellow helmet and yellow vest hikes out as the boat flies above choppy water, with a hilly shoreline behind. — Mattias Coutts & George Lee Rush. 2024 PredictWind Moth World Championships. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail DiePhoto Credit: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

The results of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award were announced overnight while we were fast asleep in Auckland.

When I woke up this morning, my phone was full of “congratulations” messages from friends on the other side of the world. I honestly had no idea what they were congratulating me for. As far as I knew, my photograph from the PredictWind Moth Worlds hadn’t made the judges’ Top 20 – so I thought that chapter was closed.

Mattias Coutts & George Lee Rush. 2024 PredictWind Moth World Championships. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

But as it turns out… the public had other plans.

The image I submitted to the annual awards was selected by you – the public – as your top pick.

I’m blown away.

The announcement at METS Yacht Racing ForumPhoto Credit: Rohan Gyde

The announcement at METS Yacht Racing Forum. Photo: Rowan Gyde

And the timing? You couldn’t script it.

Today marks 20 years since Live Sail Die was created.

This is the greatest anniversary gift I could ever imagine.

20 Years of Live Sail Die

My gratitude goes far beyond words. To everyone who has ever supported Live Sail Die – thank you. To every sailor, class, club, and event organiser who has trusted me to capture their moments -THANK YOU.

Twenty years ago, I picked up a camera to photograph the sport I love. Sailing has given me everything good in my life, and I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who has helped me along this crazy journey.

There are a few people I need to thank today.

Andrea Francolini – your words of advice echo in my mind every time I lift a camera to my eye. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me.

Tom “Johnsee” Johns – twenty years ago, you took a chance on my wild idea and built the first Live Sail Die website when I had nothing but a name and a vision. Thank you.

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Royal Akarana Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron – the three clubs who have supported my ambitions by having me as part of their organisations.

To AJ, H, Will, and every team member who believed Live Sail Die was something special – thank you. To every RIB driver who has put me in the perfect spot to capture the shot – thank you. And to Jon & Tracy Bilger and Nick Olson from PredictWind, who welcomed me into their team and opened the door to photographing incredible events like the PredictWind Moth Worlds – thank you.

Where the winning shot was taken fromPhoto Credit: Jayden Murdie

Where the shot was captured. From the roof of the PredcitWind boat at the PredictWind Moth Worlds hosted by Manly Sailing Club. Photos: Jayden Murdie

Thank You, Everyone

Thank you for taking the time, for backing the image, and for being part of this moment. I’m honoured, humbled, and absolutely buzzing.

A MASSIVE congratulations must go to Italian photographer Martina Orsini.

Martina is the first womanto win the prestigious award outright, now in its 16th edition. GO THE GIRLS!!!!

And her photo was also of a Moth in action!

Yacht Racing Image Award 2025 WinnerPhoto Credit: Martina Orsini

Martina Orsini – Yacht Racing Image Award 2025 Winner

“Winning this year’s edition of the contest means a lot to me”,she 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.”

A total of 120 marine photographers representing 26 nations took part in the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Awards this year. The awards ceremony took place during the Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam, in front of leading personalities from across the sport.