2026 CA Photo Competition: Show us your cruising story

Have you captured a moment that sums up your season on the water? Now is your chance to share it.

The Cruising Association’s annual Photo Competition is back for 2026, and we are looking for the images that capture what cruising is really about - the places you discover, the people you share them with, the wildlife you encounter and those unforgettable moments that happen when you are afloat.

Maybe you have captured a spectacular sunrise over a quiet anchorage, a boat powering through a lively sea, a pod of dolphins appearing alongside, or simply a perfect moment with friends and family on board.

Whatever your cruising story, we want to see it

Entries open on 1 October 2026 and close on 31 December 2026, giving you plenty of time to look back through this season’s photographs and choose your favourites. And there’s no limit to the number of photos you can enter, so why stop at one?

Introducing your judge

The CA is delighted to welcome renowned marine photographer Paul Wyeth back to judge the 2026 competition.

With many years’ experience capturing marine life, boats and the people who make the most of them, Paul knows what makes a great cruising photograph. His work has appeared on numerous magazine covers, and his photography takes him from boats and helicopters to drones and locations around the world.

2026 marks Paul’s fifth year as judge, and he will be looking beyond technical quality for images that make you pause, draw you in and tell a story.

“Cruising gives us an incredible variety of moments to photograph - from the spectacular to the completely unexpected,” says Paul. “For me, the photographs that really stand out are the ones that make you feel as though you were there. They might capture incredible light, a dramatic encounter or a simple moment of happiness on board, but they all have something that makes you want to look again.

“I am looking forward to seeing the places CA members have explored and the moments they have captured during the 2026 season. Don’t worry about whether you think a photograph is ‘perfect’ - if it caught your eye and tells a story, enter it. I can’t wait to see what’s out there.”

What makes a great cruising photo?

We want to see the full breadth of the cruising experience – on the water and ashore. Your photographs might capture:

Boats and the sea: beautiful boats, exhilarating passages, dramatic seascapes or those perfect sailing and motorboating moments.

Life afloat: the laughter, challenges, companionship and quiet pleasures that make cruising special.

Destinations and wildlife: unforgettable landscapes, idyllic anchorages, picturesque harbours and encounters with the natural world.

A different perspective: aerial and drone photography that reveals cruising from a completely different angle.

But these are just ideas. If your photograph captures something about your cruising adventure that you want to share, we want to see it.

More than glory

The overall winner will receive a bundle of CA goodies, including a certificate, canvas bag and burgee. Runners-up will each receive a certificate and burgee.

And the winning photographs won’t simply be in the CA archive. Selected images will be showcased across the CA’s website, communications and social media - giving your cruising memories an audience across the CA community and beyond.

Ready to share your best shot?

Now is the time to dive into your camera roll, dust off those favourite images and relive the highlights of your cruising season.

Entries open 1 October 2026 and close 31 December 2026.

See the photographs that impressed in our 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 competitions.

About Paul Wyeth

Paul’s passion for photography began during his design degree before developing into a career focused on outdoor and marine photography. Based on the Isle of Wight, his connection with the sea and experience in the marine industry reignited his passion for photography.

Paul has travelled worldwide capturing marine imagery, with his work appearing on numerous magazine covers. His expertise encompasses boats, helicopters and drones, alongside corporate, property and sports photography – but marine photography remains his true passion.

Web: www.pwpictures.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/paulwyethphotography

Top image: Neil O'Connor won the 2025 Photo Competition with his photo looking towards Goat Fell from the Firth of Clyde, Scotland