Sport
Four years of incredible sailing photography
By Susie East
Published 1315 GMT (2115 HKT) May 4, 2015
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More than 3,500 people voted on Facebook and the internet for the world's best yacht racing photograph in 2011. The winning picture, taken by French photographer Thierry Martinez, features Nathan Outridge racing in the Moth world championships in Belmont, Australia. Th.Martinez
Matias Capizzano captured this image of a sailor who'd fallen overboard. Matias Capizzano
Ian Roman's photo was taken during leg nine of 2012's Volvo Ocean Race. Ian Roman
Tom Gruitt captures the spirit of London 2012's Olympic Games, showing Ben Ainslie of Great Britain leading off the start line in the Finn Class. Tom Gruitt
Hovering above the waves in a helicopter, Kurt Arrigo took this photo of the 112-foot Baltic Nilaya Yacht during the 2012 Rolex Volcano Race. The reflection in the super-yacht's hull shows the Italian island Capri. Kurt Arrigo/Rolex
Nico Martinez captured this stunning image in Mallorca, Spain. Nico Martinez
"The weather was perfect all week, with great wind conditions and big waves. Finally, I was able to immortalize in one instant all the great moments experienced during that week," Pedro Martinez said of his photo taken at the RC44 Cascais Cup in Portugal. Pedro Martinez
San Francisco Bay's Mark Foy Trophy event saw plenty of action in 2013, with Christophe Favreau on hand to capture this photo. Christophe Favreau
Sander van der Borch snapped Mark Andrews competing in the Delta Lloyd Regatta: "It was down to the wire! I was able to make up some places using the guts and in the end it turned my way. It was very close and I am very happy to have won this event!" Sander van der Borch
Abner Kingsman's winning photo of 2013 captures the precise moment when Oracle Team USA overtook Emirates Team New Zealand -- which was on the brink of capsizing -- during the 34th America's Cup. Abner Kingman
A wave breaks in San Tropez, France, captured by Patrick Le Galloudec. The Public award is decided by the number of votes on the website rather than an expert jury. Patrick Le Galloudec
Taken at the Keel Week Race in Germany, Ainhoa Sanchez Vidales said of his photo: "Feel the wind on the sail, the sea ... and the control of the sailor to dominate all the elements ... That is the beauty about sailing through my eyes." AinhoaSanchez
Jen Edney's photo shows Michele Sighel checking in with their crew during an early morning watch while sailing from Honolulu, Hawaii to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Jen Edney
Rick Tomlinson triumphed with his photo of Team SCA sailing at a speed of more than 25 knots. Rick Tomlinson/Team SCA
"I will never forget this photo, which sums up an event that marked a before and an after in my professional career," Pedro Martinez said of his picture. "Now I am aware of one of the most important things that define a good photographer: his eagerness." Pedro Martinez
Racing at the Voiles de Saint-Tropez provided Bertrand Duquenne with this stunning image. Credit: Bertrand Duquenne
"The Mast Walk" of daredevil sailor Alex Thompson is perfectly captured in this shot. It was "mad and amazing to shoot," said photographer Mark Lloyd. It finished runner-up in the public vote. Credit: Mark Lloyd
This stunning double visual effect was captured by the lens of Charles Marion. Is it a bird? No, it's the sails of a competitor in the Voiles de Saint Tropez as they are reflected in the midday sun. Credit: Charles Marion
An international jury gave the 2014 prize to this stunning work by Alfred Farre. He captured Mariquita, an entrant in the vintage section at the VII Puig Vela Classic in Barcelona, as it crashed through a large wave. Click here for a full gallery of 2014's best sailing photos. Credit: Alfred Fare
