RYA Midlands ‘Photo February’ competition is back!

A photography competition for the RYA Midlands region is returning for a second edition in 2022.

It follows the success of last year’s Photo February competition, which took place during lockdown three and had almost 100 entries after RYA Affiliated Clubs and Centres, along with their members, were invited to put their favourite boating locations in the spotlight.

Entries are now open for this year’s competition, which will again run throughout the whole of February. While Covid-19 restrictions last year required entrants to look back through their albums for photos, or take snaps while out walking for daily exercise, the aim this year is to celebrate the return to activities which followed both on and off the water.

Photo February 2022 will showcase the fantastic variety of ways in which people enjoyed getting back afloat both within the region and, for our cruising and offshore members, further afield.

RYA Midlands Regional Development Officer Ben Hodgson said: “We are hoping our second Photo February competition will again be great fun and an opportunity to raise awareness about what the sport has to offer as we head into the new season.

“We’re looking forward to seeing lots of action shots which really capture the many ways people enjoyed being on the water after Covid restrictions eased, whether competing or cruising, sailing or SUPing, taking part in a course or simply having fun with friends on shore. If you have a great photo, we’d love to see it!”

The competition is open to RYA Midlands Affiliated Clubs and Centres and their members or customers. All entries will be shared on RYA Midlands digital and social media channels, and the winners will be selected by a panel from the Regional Volunteer Team.

Three prizes are up for grabs for the pictures that the panel decide showcase Midlands activity at its best. There will be a Helly Hansen Scout Duffel (L) kit bag for the overall winner and two runners-up will each receive a Helly Hansen Ocean Dry Bag (XL).

The winner of last year’s competition was instructor Rob Mallett, with his atmospheric picture of a rainbow following a storm, which was taken at the end of a school Sailability session at Aztec Adventure, Upton Warren. Other entries encompassed all ages, weather conditions and activities, ranging from smiling children on summer days to fierce competition on blustery race courses, alongside idyllic scenes from tranquil and atmospheric lakes.

Regional Volunteer Team Chair Steven Tinsley said: “We had a phenomenal response to our inaugural competition last year, with some truly brilliant photographs, including lots of beautiful landscape images, as necessitated by the lockdown at the time.

“Since then we’ve seen a hugely busy return to the water, with a wide range of activities and growing numbers of people enjoying our wonderful sport through the region’s clubs and centres. The aim of this year’s competition is to find a winning image which captures that enthusiasm!”

The closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 28 February 2022 and the winner will be announced  in March 2022.

Taking part is easy!

Entries are invited from members, customers and staff of RYA Affiliated Clubs and Centres which are based or located in the RYA Midlands region. Judges will be looking for photographs taken during 2021-22 which highlight activities and participation.

Photographs may be entered by sharing with RYA Midlands on Facebook or emailing entries with a caption, the name of the photographer and contact details to Regional Communicator Paula Irish here.

Entrants may submit more than one image and should endeavour to either have, or seek the consent of, any individuals visible in the photograph. All entries may be shared on RYA Midlands digital and social media channels and used for marketing and promotional purposes. Full terms and conditions can be found here.