Neil O'Connor wins 2026 CA Photo Competition

Congratulations to CA member Neil O'Connor, whose stunning image looking towards Goat Fell from the Firth of Clyde, Scotland has taken top honours in the 2025 CA Photo Competition.

This year's competition attracted a wealth of entries, judged by acclaimed marine photographer Paul Wyeth. Paul said, "It's been a real pleasure to be asked to judge this year's entries. I know it's a bit of a cliche but the standard of images this year really has been impressive and as such, it's been very difficult to decide which ones to choose.

Commenting on Neil's winning photo, Paul added, "When I first sat down, mug of tea in hand, to enjoy browsing through all the images this was the one that made my eyes open the widest with a wow that made my dog jump in her basket. Well done Neil for this deeply powerful image which beautifully sets the yacht within the sweep of the mountainside and incredible Scottish scenery. Who wouldn't want to sail past that amazing landscape, although you'd want the shelter of a lovely warm cabin at hand by the look of those dark clouds. Congratulations on a very deserved winning image and one which I'd be delighted to hang on my wall."

Neil O'Connor, a CA member since 2021, captured the image during an extended 2025 cruise aboard his Moody S38 Bear Away, sailing from the South Coast of England via Holland and the Caledonian and Crinan canals to overwinter in the Firth of Clyde.

Recalling the moment he took the photo as a standout memory, Neil said, "We really enjoyed the fantastic West Coast scenery. This photo was taken in quite dramatic light during the final few days sailing as we worked our way down to Ardrossan to be hauled out. It's a wonderful surprise to win the CA's annual photo competition. The burgee will be very welcome as ours took a bit of a battering last season!"

Winner: Looking towards Goat Fell from the Firth of Clyde, Scotland
©Neil O'Connor

Runners-Up

The call of the sea - Gail Hogg

Gail's emotive image of her granddaughter during a visit to Inveraray Jail, looks out towards the delights of sailing on Loch Fyne, Scotland.

Paul Wyeth comment: "This image really tells a story with the young girl peering through the window at the yacht which is framed nicely within the window. Does she know someone on the boat, waiting for them to come home or is she dreaming of sailing off into the distance? I guess it conjures up more questions than answers, but well done Gail for capturing a beautifully emotive image."

After the squall - James Kenning

The image captures a rainbow perfectly framing Mayreau Island, St Vincent & the Grenadines, moments after a squall swept over the Tobago Cays Marine Park. James describes his photo as "one of those moments when Mother Nature does all the hard photographic work!"

Paul Wyeth comment: "Well done James for this great image. Rainbows can be a little cliched but here the great sky and slightly muted colour palette really work. And what lifts this image is the sense of forward movement and energy towards the arch of the rainbow."

As the 2025 Photo Competition winner, Neil will receive CA goodies, including a certificate, canvas bag, and burgee, while the runners-up each receive a certificate and burgee.

Special Mentions

Sea Dog Meg - Andrew Thompson

Paul Wyeth comment: "I just love the simplicity of this shot that just says, 'Come on, let's go sailing'. It just makes me smile which felt like reason enough to include it here!"

Frosty Deck - Marie Hoensbroech

Paul Wyeth comment: "This image just makes me want to be that guy holding a nice steaming mug of tea. With mirror like water, soft morning light etching details in the rope combined with the frosty deck it really works and makes me want to go explore Northern sailing climes."

Runner Up: After the Squall
©James Kenning

Runner Up: The Call of the Sea
©Gail Hogg

Special Mention: Sea Dog Meg
©Andrew Thompson

Special Mention: Frosty deck, Marie Hoensbroech
©Marie Hoensbroech

CA members can CA members can click here to view all entries into the 2025 Photo Competition.

About the CA Annual Photo Competition

The CA Annual Photo Competition runs from 1 January to 31 December each year, and entries are invited from members to reflect cruising over the sailing season. Start capturing those special moments now and enter online from 1 October 2026.

Members can find out more about the photo competition.