Team JaJo VO65

Training

Coast of Scheveningen

Captured off the coast of Scheveningen, the Netherlands, during a training session in a solid Force 5 breeze, this image shows the raw, unforgiving side of sailing. As the waves built and the spray swept across the deck, the crew pushed on, working together in challenging conditions. As a photographer, I wanted to do more than capture a boat sailing through rough water. I wanted to put the viewer on board. The winch in the foreground draws you into the scene, looking aft towards the crew at the helm, surrounded by flying spray and the relentless movement of the North Sea. This is what offshore sailing can feel like: raw, wet, physical, and completely immersive. It is the kind of environment that has always fascinated me, reminiscent of the demanding conditions faced by crews in events such as the Volvo Ocean Race aboard the VO65s. Capturing moments like this is a challenge in itself. You have to anticipate the action, find the right composition, and press the shutter at exactly the right moment, all while dealing with waves, salt water, and a moving platform beneath your feet. You have to stay aware of your surroundings without missing the moment unfolding in front of you. For me, this image is about bringing people closer to the reality of offshore sailing, not just showing them what it looks like from the outside, but giving them a glimpse of what it feels like to be part of it.

Canon R5 mark I, RF 24-70 F2.8, 6400, f2.8 , 1/1600