Switzerland image chosen for Mirabaud World Yacht Race Image Awards

A picture illustrating the resilient and resolute attitude of crew members competing in the Clipper Race has been selected for the Mirabaud World Yacht Race Image Awards.

International sailing photographer Juerg Kaufmann took the image of 13-14 Leg 4 and 8 crew member Richard Brook while he was a media berther on board Switzerland during Race 6, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The public vote is now open until December 1 and the image with the most number of popular public votes will be taken into consideration during the panel’s final decision for the ‘public prize’

The overall Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2014 is chosen by a panel from the yachting and photographic worlds.

Juerg’s caption for his image reads: “Richard is a retired doctor from the UK. He just spent a hellish night in the Tasman sea during the Sydney Hobart Race. Two successive low pressure systems hit the boat, the wind got stronger and stronger, hitting 60 knots, and all the crew are exhausted. Yet, the day after Richard is on deck, tired but happy, enjoying the adventure of a lifetime. And his face speaks volumes...”

Richard said: “Working through it felt like an awfully long five days at times. Once we got through the more difficult times, coming round the headland into the bay was an anti-climax. But it was still a race to be won.

“There was a real sense of achievement as we finished as it was such a full-on experience. I am so glad I was able to take part, it was wonderful.

“I didn’t know the photo was being taken at the time. The fact that I have been able to reflect and re-live it through Juerg’s photo and the race videos is even more special. The photo heightened the experience.”

Juerg used a Nikon D800 Nikon 70 - 200mm to take his image.

A total of 120 photographers submitted their image into the awards. The entries were then whittled down to the top 70 pictures by the panel and the images are now online for viewing and voting on the official website.

You can vote for Juerg’s image of Richard here on the Mirabaud site.