Joseph Beck / Team Yacht Club Punta del Este

Clipper Round the World Race

Atlantic Ocean - 65 nm ENE of Punta del Este

What I like about this picture is how well it captures both the endurance of the offshore sailor and the raw, relentless power of nature. This photo was taken on the 26th day of racing from Spain to Uruguay. It was a significant race for our team as we were sailing into our home port of Punta del Este and as you can imagine: the stakes were high! The team had been pushing very hard throughout the entire leg and by the time we were nearing Uruguay, fatigue was starting to settle in. As we approached Uruguay, the weather shifted dramatically. The temperature dropped, and we encountered a powerful weather system known as a Pampero. The winds howled, and the seas became rough. In the shallow waters off Uruguay, we found ourselves tacking for what felt like an eternity, with angles close to 170-180 degrees for a while. The boat and crew were slammed by short, steep waves, and every moment felt like a test of endurance. Despite the punishing conditions, the teams' persistence paid off. We crossed the finish line five hours ahead of second place, and that night, Uruguayan sailing history was made. Our Punta del Este born Skipper Nano Antia won into his home town and we broke a ten-year long home boat curse with our win. It was a victory earned through resilience and determination — a vivid reminder of the challenges sailors face and the resilience required to overcome them.

Sony A7IV, 41,8, 1250, f5.0 , 1/1000