The Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award 2026 has reached its final stage, with 20 photographers from ten countries shortlisted for the most prestigious award in international yacht racing photography.

Selected by an international jury, the Top 20 photographs capture the beauty, intensity, emotion and diversity of competitive sailing. They will be showcased this week at Metstrade in Amsterdam, the world's largest trade show dedicated to the leisure marine industry, offering visitors a spectacular insight into the sport through the lenses of some of its finest photographers.

France leads the shortlist with six finalists, followed by the United Kingdom with three. The remaining photographers represent Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia and the United States.

The winners will be revealed during a special awards ceremony at the Yacht Racing Forum on Friday, 20 November, at 12:15 p.m., in the presence of leading personalities from the international sailing community.

All photographers who entered the competition are warmly invited to attend the ceremony (registration details below). Sailing enthusiasts and industry professionals are also welcome, with last-minute registrations still available at www.yachtracingforum.com.

The identity of the winners remains a closely guarded secret until the official announcement in Amsterdam.

TOP 20 (in alphabetical order by surname):

Patrick Blom – Finland

Roberto Celi – Italy

James Chapman – United Kingdom

Stephen Cloutier – United States

Tom Coehoorn – The Netherlands

Thomas Deregnieaux – France

Felix Diemer – Germany

Marco Donatiello – Italy

Luke Dorey – United Kingdom

Christophe Favreau – France

Robert Hajduk – Poland

Pascal Huit – France

Martin Keruzoré – France

Michael Kurtz – France

Elena Razina – Russia

Yann Riou – France

Georgia Schofield – New Zealand

Szymon Sikora – Poland

James Tomlinson – United Kingdom

Thom Touw – The Netherlands