Gitana / Maxi Edmond de Rothschild / Gitana

Yann Riou - polaRYSE

Offshore Lorient

I chose this photograph because it marks a historic moment: the very first time the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild took flight. It was her maiden sail equipped with a foil, and the conditions were marginal—hardly any wind, and high expectations. The anticipation was palpable as we waited to see if she would fly. I launched the drone while the boat was still dragging, dropping my shutter speed to convey a sense of speed in the light air. Then, a tiny puff of wind arrived, and she finally lifted off. What makes this image special is the relief, the technological triumph, and the pure grace of that exact, long-awaited moment!

Hasselblad L1D-20c, 10,5mm, 100, f/11 , 1/10