Photo competition: First victory for a female photographer - Orsini wins with dynamism

All moth sailors know this Italian: Martina Orsini's name stands for foiling action and dynamism in regatta sport. It has provided world champions such as Tom Slingsby, Dylan Fletcher, Paul Goodison and Russell Coutts' son Mattias Coutts and his upcoming generation with strong images. Philipp Buhl and the German Moth elite also owe her fantastic pictures in action. Now Martina Orsini has become the first woman to win the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award. The photo competition was previously known as the Mirabaud Prize.

It's the work behind the picture that counts

Martina Orsini's winning photo was taken at the Foiling Week in Malcesine. She described her motif for the photo competition as follows: "The photo captures a dynamic moment in the world of foiling. The close-up shows the bow of a moth gliding over the water and ploughing through the spray, while the sailor - partially hidden behind the dark sail - struggles to maintain control. The cold, sharp light emphasises the metallic reflections of the hull and the floating drops, creating a dramatic, intense atmosphere. The diagonal composition conveys a sense of vertigo and perfectly expresses the speed, tension and instability typical of foiling."

It is a picture that tells of balance on the precipice, of strength and precision." Martina Orsini

The photographer with a good eye for foiling happily accepted the most important prize in the photo competition and said: "Winning this year's edition of the competition means a lot to me. I am very proud to be the first woman to receive this award. But at the same time, I have always believed that photography has no gender. What really counts is the work behind each image - the commitment, the instinct, the hours spent on the water looking for the right moment."

The best in the photo competition: "The journey was worth it"

Martina Orsini interprets the award above all as a tribute to her "journey": "Twelve years of trying, learning, developing and dedication to this sport and this craft." She said: "If this award can also inspire others to believe in their own journey, then it becomes even more meaningful. On a personal level, it feels like a reminder that every early morning, every cold day on a RIB, every risk I've taken to get closer to the action and every moment of doubt along the way has been worth it."

Martina Orsini was born in 1986 and lives between Milan and Cyprus. She graduated in Philosophy in 2010, obtained a Master's degree in Fine 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 globetrotter, a passionate sea lover and an adrenaline junkie who is always trying to go beyond her limits," she explained at the award ceremony.

"Martina's picture captures the essence of foiling: Speed, innovation and emotion, all united in one dramatic frame. The composition is not only technically impressive, but also artistically profound," said Niels Klarenbeek, Director of RAI Maritime Events and member of the international jury.

Moths very popular in the photo competition

A female photographer also took second place this year: Russian Eugenia Bakunova jumped into second place on the podium with a beautiful photo of the yacht "Lady Anne", which was taken during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Frenchman Olivier Blanchet took third place with his famous picture of Charlie Dalin's triumphant arrival at the Vendée Globe.

Like the main prize, the audience award also went to a picture from the world of moths. The online votes were cast for a picture taken by New Zealand photographer Suellen Hurling of Mattias Coutts and George Lee-Rush during the World Moth Championships in Auckland. Dutchman Sebastiaan Zoomers and his compatriot Tom Coehoorn took second and third place in this category.

A total of 120 marine photographers from 26 nations took part in the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2025. With Felix Diemer and his fascinating SailGP fan painting, a German artist also reached the top twenty. The award ceremony took place during the Yacht Racing Forum in Amsterdam in front of leading personalities from the entire sports industry.

With thanks to partner Pantaenius

"The photo collection was outstanding. It is impressive to see the high calibre and variety of perspectives in all the images and sailing disciplines. As a board member of the Magenta Project, I am delighted that a female photographer has won this prestigious award with such a dynamic and emotional image," said Holly Cova, Team Director of Team Malizia and member of the international jury.

Launched in 2010, the Yacht Racing Image Award is the leading photo competition dedicated to sailing as a competitive sport and honours the best images each year. "I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our partner, the yacht and boat insurance company Pantaenius, which shares our passion for sailing," said organisation manager Bernard Schopfer.