SAILING

How to get involved in yachting and sailing competitions

Sailing is a captivating sport that blends the age-old traditions with cutting-edge technology. When I tell people I work in sailing, they often picture me lounging on a teak deck with a glass of champagne, or steering a yacht in a flowing dress. Sometimes that happens — but it’s a far cry from the real sport.

If you’re curious about competitive sailing and want to get involved, there are more ways than you might think. If you're looking to support the sport rather than compete, you can sponsor a yacht team or even an entire regatta. Or, if you're ready to dive in yourself, you could buy a racing yacht to race or charter out. But make no mistake: this world requires dedication.
To join a racing crew, start with a sailing school that offers amateur competitions. Even complete beginners can get a taste of the adrenaline — but you'll need to study and train. Like any sport, sailing is full of nuance and demands commitment. That said, just being a spectator at a world-class regatta can be thrilling.

The oldest trophy in international sport and often called the "Formula 1 of sailing." The design of the yachts evolves with every edition, shaped by the defending team. In 2024, the race was held in Barcelona using cutting-edge AC75 foiling yachts — engineering marvels that rise above the water and hit incredible speeds.

This team-based regatta is a test of stamina, seamanship, and teamwork. Crews race aboard IMOCA 60 yachts, braving the elements in epic offshore legs. Traditionally held every four years, The Ocean Race recently announced exciting updates: a Europe-only route in 2025, a transatlantic leg from New York to Barcelona in 2026, and the next full round-the-world race in 2027. No need to wait four years to see action on the high seas.

A scenic but demanding regatta known for dramatic weather changes. The circular route of the Rolex Middle Sea Race offers everything from calm breezes to fierce storms.

A vibrant celebration of sailing, where large historic and training vessels race together. Designed to engage young people, it combines sport, history, and education.

A 608-mile course around the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse, which is known for its unpredictable conditions in the Irish Sea. It’s a true challenge even for seasoned offshore sailors.

A transatlantic race for two-person teams. It’s a favorite among pros sailing IMOCA 60s and Class40 yachts.

A short but intense ocean race that has become an Australian Christmas tradition. Crews face rough seas, strong winds, and plenty of adrenaline.

This regatta brings together modern performance yachts and classic sailing boats for a week of racing and festivities on the French Riviera. It’s the perfect blend of sport and style.
These regattas represent the pinnacle of skill, endurance, and love for the sea. Each one draws the best sailors in the world — and thousands of fans — making sailing one of the most exciting sports on the planet.

A scenic but demanding regatta known for dramatic weather changes. The circular route of the Rolex Middle Sea Race offers everything from calm breezes to fierce storms.

Held every four years. Dubbed the toughest solo sailing race in the world, the Vendée Globe is a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe. Sailors spend about three months alone at sea, battling the world’s most treacherous waters.
 In 2024, 40 sailors competed aboard IMOCA 60 yachts — the most technologically advanced offshore monohulls. French skipper Charlie Dalin set a new record, finishing nearly ten days faster than the previous winner

Founded: 1851
Venue: Varies by the location of the defending champion

Founded: 1973
Venue: Around-the-world race with stopovers in global ports

Founded: 1968
Venue: Mediterranean (Malta – Sicily loop – Malta)

Founded: 1956
Venue: Various European cities

Founded: 1925
Venue: United Kingdom (Cowes – Fastnet Rock – Plymouth)

Founded: 1993
Venue: France to South America (Le Havre to Martinique or Salvador)

Founded: 1945
Venue: Australia (Sydney – Hobart, 630 nautical miles)

Founded: 1981
Venue: Saint-Tropez, France

Founded: 1968
Venue: Mediterranean (Malta – Sicily loop – Malta)

Founded: 1989
Venue: Les Sables-d'Olonne, France (start and finish)

You might find your place behind the camera, like I do - as a yachting photographer or working as a videographer or journalist. Or maybe you simply want to plan your holidays around spectacular races and seaside events. Either way, there’s a format that will suit you. Why watch sailing?
World-class regattas are typically held in stunning coastal locations and are packed with activities on land: race villages, exhibits, food courts, yacht simulators, gear shops, concert stages, and big screens broadcasting the action. Fans can often meet the teams at press events and award ceremonies.
Thanks to live streams and advanced graphics, you don’t even have to leave home to feel the thrill — races are now broadcast with live commentary, animations, and onboard footage.

Here are a few of the top competitions where I’ve worked as a photographer since 2010. They never fail to inspire me.

Rolex Fastnet Race

Transat Jacques Vabre

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

I first attended one of these events as a journalist covering social life — and I was hooked. Sailing has been a part of my life ever since.
Want to know more? Questions, collaborations, or photo tour inquiries for the most iconic regattas — feel free to contact me: katya.antoni@yahoo.com

Ekaterina Zhilina-Anthony

AUTHOR

Yacht and documentary photographer
Fundraiser for Sailing Generation by Franck Cammas