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Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

Andrea Francolini captures two International Watersports Photography Awards

by Di Pearson 9 Mar 19:58 PDT
Andrea Francolini at the Awards in Spain - pic courtesy A Francolini © Andrea Francolini

Andrea Francolini has proved again he is one of the best water sports photographers in the world, winning not one, but two awards at the International Watersports Photography Awards in Spain overnight.

Born in Italy, Francolini has called Australia home for over 20 years now and has worked hard to capture, in his unique way, the best of major sailing events and branching out to cover powerboats, canoeing, ironman, surf lifesaving, other water sports and to take portraits.

A creative photographer, Francolini said from Spain this morning, "What an honour and privilege to be in Cartagena, Spain, for the International Watersports Photography Awards 2024.

"I'm thrilled that two of my images won in their categories. An incredible weekend filled with stunning photography and inspiring conversations with talented photographers from around the world. A truly unforgettable experience! Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.

Francolini won the 'Old School' award with an image of Bruce Gould's Margaret Rintoul at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta and the 'Jet Ski & Powerboats' category with an aerial image of a 120ft yacht.

It's not the first time the much loved photographer has won awards for his work, He was the Platinum winner at the 2024 MUSW Photography Awards for his Summer of Surf (Surf Lifesaving); Platinum winner at the IPA awards (New York) People category 2024; My portrait at the One Eyeland Portrait photographer 2024; 2015 Winner Outdoor photographer of the year (UK) in the 'Spirit of Travel' category, with third at the 2014 Winner World in Focus.

Francolini continues to look at life through the lens in a different way to others and says, "I am thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way."

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