Samo Vidic secures the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024 for the second year in a row
by Yacht Racing Image Award 21 Nov 12:17 PST
Samo Vidic secures the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024 for the second year in a row © Tom Coehoorn
Samo Vidic secures the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024 © Samo Vidic
Slovenian yacht racing photographer Samo Vidic has won the 14th edition of the international photography competition focused on sailing.
With more than 20 years as a sports photographer, Vidic has developed a profound affinity for sailing, photographing events like the Extreme Sailing Series and the GC32 class. He bested finalists Ilia Byzov and Georgy Akimov to take home the grand prize.
Samo Vidic, the Slovenian photographer, has won the Yacht Racing Image Award 2024 for the second straight year with a photograph taken during SailGP Bermuda.
“Winning for a second consecutive time is definitely a surprise to me,” Samo shared. “I believed the photo I submitted was strong, but with other major events this year like the America’s Cup and the Olympic Games, I didn’t set my hopes particularly high. I’m truly honored and proud. This victory confirms to me that I’m on the right path.”
The photo taken by Samo Vidic was captured in the Bahamas during a SailGP practice session: “I was fortunate to have my friend Jason with me as my boat driver; he also helped as a spotter. I was about to change my camera and lens when he suddenly shouted, ‘Team US is going to capsize!’ I turned quickly and snapped a few shots.”
Explore the entries at www.yachtracingimage.com/archives/2024.html
The five-member international jury voted based on three criteria: the emotion conveyed by the image, its technical complexity, and its originality.
“I was truly amazed by the variety of submissions,” explained Patricia Becker, Exhibition Manager at METSTRADE and jury member. “The photographs not only highlighted the beauty and might of yachts but also showcased the vibrant energy of competition and the joy of being on the water. Browsing the gallery was an exhilarating journey through yacht racing.”
Andy Rice, a sailing journalist and jury member, stated, “The submissions varied greatly in quality and subject matter, showcasing the vast diversity of sailing in every form. Many images could have been chosen as winners for different reasons. However, Samo Vidic certainly stands out and is a well-deserved winner for his dynamic SailGP photo.”
Carlos Pitch remarked, “The winning photo exemplifies photojournalism, capturing a rare and striking moment that requires being in the right place at the right time. It’s a timely image because scenarios like this are seldom repeated.”
The Public Award, determined by online votes from the public, was awarded to James Tomlinson, followed by Brigi Török and Tom Coehoorn.
The Delegates Award, based on votes from METSTRADE attendees in Amsterdam, was claimed by Michael Kurtz, ahead of Eloi Stichelbaut and Daniel Forster.
This year’s Yacht Racing Image Award featured over 130 photographers representing 31 nationalities. The awards ceremony was held during the Yacht Racing Forum, in conjunction with the METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, attended by numerous marine photographers, journalists, and yacht racing industry members.
Established in 2010, the Yacht Racing Image is the premier photography competition dedicated to sailing as a competitive sport, celebrating the most stunning photographs captured throughout the year.
Yacht Racing Image Award
1. Samo Vidic
2. Ilia Byzov
3. Georgy Akimov
Public Award
1. James Tomlinson
2. Brigi Török
3. Tom Coehoorn
Delegates Award
1. Michael Kurtz
2. Eloi Stichelbaut
3. Daniel Forster
