Think you can take a great photo, too? Grab your camera and start shooting for our “Real Boats, Real Boaters Photo Contest.”

Chasing Storms: A Photographer’s View of the Velux 5 Oceans Fleet

Just hours into the grueling Velux 5 Oceans solo around-the-world yacht race, the fleet was slammed by a fierce Bay of Biscay storm. Winds gusted up to 77 mph, seas turned chaotic, and the boats were pushed to their limits. For professional photographer Dan Towers, the scene was as dramatic as any he had seen — a raw and uncompromising example of ocean racing that demanded to be documented.

Towers didn’t wait for a calmer moment. He climbed into a single-engine helicopter with the doors removed and followed the fleet into the storm. The decision to shoot from an exposed aircraft illustrates both the risks and rewards of high-stakes maritime photography: danger, motion, and the elements combine to create images that feel alive. The helicopter provided unmatched vantage points — capturing the relationship between sailors and the sea in a way that deck-level photos simply cannot.

Why Storm Photography Matters

Storm photography of yacht racing is more than spectacular imagery. It records the reality of offshore sailing — the courage, technique, and sheer endurance required when a solo skipper faces the ocean alone. Images taken in extreme conditions tell stories about seamanship, boat design, and the human spirit. They also serve as historical records for racing campaigns and the wider sailing community, inspiring new sailors and reminding seasoned ones of the ocean’s power.

Safety and Preparation

Photographing extreme weather requires meticulous planning. Professional maritime photographers like Towers prioritize safety for both crew and subjects. When working from helicopters, boats, or support vessels, photographers coordinate with race officials, pilots, and skippers to ensure everyone understands positions, communication protocols, and emergency procedures. Good weather timing, backup plans, and reliable safety gear are non-negotiable.

For amateur photographers interested in covering storms or offshore races, start by learning seamanship basics and radio etiquette. Never compromise a skipper’s ability to race or navigate for the sake of a photo. Keep a safe distance, be mindful of wake and prop wash, and always wear appropriate flotation and protective gear.

Composition Tips for Dramatic Boat Photography

Storms create dramatic light and movement — use these to enhance your compositions. Consider the following practical tips:

• Capture scale: Include both the boat and the surrounding sea to show size and context. Wide-angle lenses from a secure vantage point work well.
• Freeze or blur motion: Fast shutter speeds freeze sails and spray; slower speeds can blur waves for a sense of motion. Choose based on the emotion you want to convey.
• Watch the horizon: A tilted horizon can add dynamism but be careful not to create distraction. Keep it intentional.
• Use leading lines: Sails, rigging, and bow spray naturally lead the eye through the frame toward the skipper or a point of action.
• Tell a story: Seek moments that communicate the human element — a focused skipper, a sheet being eased, or a spray-lashed deck.

Enter the Real Boats, Real Boaters Photo Contest

If you’re inspired by images like these, take your camera out and start shooting. Our “Real Boats, Real Boaters Photo Contest” celebrates authentic moments on the water — from family outings and weekend fishing trips to high-intensity racing. We’re looking for images that are honest, well-composed, and evocative of life afloat.

Whether you shoot from the deck, a dinghy, the shore, or from the air, the most compelling entries will show real people doing real things on real boats. Focus on strong storytelling, technical execution, and originality. Avoid staged or heavily edited scenes that misrepresent the moment. Natural light, decisive moments, and attention to detail will set your photos apart.

Final Thoughts

The Bay of Biscay storm and Dan Towers’ daring helicopter shoot are reminders that the sea rewards those willing to take risks — but only when risk is managed responsibly. Powerful images can inspire and inform, and contests that highlight authentic boating life help share those stories with a wider audience. So grab your camera, chase the light safely, and show us what real boats and real boaters mean to you.