Wind, Water And Sail, Racing the Whitsundays

Every August, the Whitsundays come alive with sails. 

Airlie Beach Race Week brings yachts of all shapes and sizes to the Whitsunday waters, from sleek monohulls racing side by side to larger fleets spread across the channels between the islands. From the air, it becomes a completely different spectacle. 

I photographed these images from a door-off helicopter on the last day of race week, navigating 30knt winds and looking down on the racing as it unfolded below. I’ve always loved shooting sailing from above, because you start to see the shapes, lines and movement of the boats against the water. And with the Whitsunday Islands in the background, there’s no shortage of incredible scenery. 

For this collection, I’ve taken a different approach to my usual colourful Whitsundays photography. Each image has been edited as black and white prints, with a mix of deep contrast and vintage-inspired monochromatic tones.  

Without the distraction of colour, the focus shifts to the yachts, the sails, the waves and the sheer movement of a sailing race. 

It’s Airlie Beach Race Week, seen from a different perspective.

📍Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach, Queensland