Public invited to vote for Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image 2014

by Bernard Schopfer on 1 Nov 2014 The world’s best yacht racing photographers have submitted their pictures for the Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image Award 2014. The public is now invited to vote online. The best picture of the year - and its author - will be celebrated during the World Yacht Racing Forum, in Barcelona, on December 11.

Sailing enthusiasts from all over the world are invited to vote for their favourite yacht racing image at Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image.

No less than one-hundred-and-twenty of the world’s best yacht racing photographers, representing twenty-five nations, submitted their best picture. The international jury then selected the top 70 pictures, who are now available for viewing - and voting - on the event’s website.

'We are absolutely thrilled to be once again involved as a title partner for the Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image award ', said Antonio Palma, Partner and CEO of Mirabaud. 'The collection of images submitted by the 120 photographers is very interesting and it has been a real challenge to vote. Each picture has its merit and it is fascinating to see how different photographers perceive and interpret the yacht racing environment through their art.'

The Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image Award is open to professional photographers from all over the world. Its goal is to pay tribute to their work, to provide them with a promotional platform and to help promote the sport of sailing to a wider audience.

Two prizes will be awarded on December 11, in Barcelona, during the World Yacht Racing Forum:

• The Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image (main prize), attributed by an international and independent jury consisting of Carlo Croce (ISAF President, ITA), Ken Read (North Sails Group President, USA), Karin Bäcklund (Volvo Ocean Race Commercial Director / Volvo Cars Sponsorship Director, SWE), Antonio Palma (Partner and CEO of Mirabaud, SUI) and Abner Kingman (Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image award winner 2013, USA)

• The Prize of the public, awarded following votes from the public on Internet (until December 1) and delegates of the World Yacht Racing Forum.

The winner of the Yacht Racing Award will receive a stunning watch El Primero Chronomaster 1969. 'We look forward to discovering the winning picture', said Aldo Magada, CEO, Zenith. 'This extraordinary collection of images is the visual expression of what happened in the world of yacht racing this year, all over the planet. It shows a mixture of authenticity, pleasure, and tenacity and proves that the yacht racing world is very dynamic, diverse and beautiful; those are values that are dear to us!

The Mirabaud Yacht Racing Image award 2014 welcomes photographers from twenty-five countries, including new entries from nations such as India, Ukraine, Chili, Czech Republic, Poland or Russia. A wide spread that is perfectly in line with the event’s ambition - shared with the World Yacht Racing Forum - to grow the base of the sport, welcome newcomers and broaden the appeal of sailing.