This year we received stunning photos from around the world. They varied from heavenly white beaches with crystal clear water to stormy crossings with angry skies and 5-metre swells. The creativity was unparalleled and made for a tough choice, but in the end, the simplicity yet complexity of ‘Destination Huahine’ won our judges over.
The Winner
Mike Lawrence
Mike, the winner of the €1,000 grand prize, is originally from New Zealand and is the Captain of S/Y Destination. He is a qualified boat builder, having worked on the build of six Dubois yacht designs, and holds a Master 3000 GT Captain’s license. Originally joining Destination in 2002 as an engineer, he progressed into the Captain’s role in 2006. With his experience and technical knowledge, nobody understands Destination more than Mike. He enjoys every aspect of the sea and spends his personal time enjoying sailing, diving, sports fishing and spending time with his wife and children in New Zealand.
1st runner up
Mid Atlantic Compass Setting © Zac Priestly
Zac Priestley
First runner up, ‘Mid Atlantic Compass Setting’ by Zac Priestley, shows how reflections and superimpositions can transform a very simple view. Zac, who received a GoPro Sessions camera, entered on a whim and took the photo on his phone. He studied oceanography at Bangor University, Wales, and after graduating found a position as deckhand on a Feadship called Lady Beatrice. Finishing on Lady Beatrice in October 2015, he began doing deliveries, one of which was an Atlantic crossing during which he took the picture ‘Mid Atlantic Compass Setting’. This October, he started a new job working as the boating officer for the British Antarctic Survey travelling down to Antarctica for 18 months. We wish Zac luck and hopefully he will return with one or two new photos!
2nd runner up
Iceberg Hopping © Simon McNeish
Simon McNeish
Simon McNeish, the second runner up for his photo titled ‘Iceberg Hopping’, is the 2nd Officer on M/Y Galileo G and has been onboard for over five years. They are currently half way through the yacht’s second circumnavigation and are sailing the extremities of the North and South Poles. This photo was taken on one of the many striking ice flows they encountered in Northern Canada, while sailing the North West Passage; the passage took a total of two months and 9,500 nautical miles. Along the way, they were lucky enough to see elusive and beautiful wildlife, including polar bears, whales, walruses, muskox and grizzly bears. Following in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen’s expedition, Simon said completing the passage was an amazing feat and an unforgettable experience. Simon received a bluewater goody bag. Visit Simon's instagram on @simonmcneish to see more stunning photos.
We want to thank everyone who entered the competition and are looking forward to your amazing shots for our 8th annual competition, which will begin in January 2017.
