During the most recent Level 4 the media team at Race HQ took the opportunity to capture the crew in action from the air with a pre-race helicopter photo shoot.

Extensive planning took place ahead of the photo shoot with team members from media, marketing and race management being involved to ensure everything was in place.

“The photo shoot was originally planned for Monday but after examining the weather forecast we delayed to ensure the best conditions possible,” explains Deputy Race Director, Mark Light.

“We briefed the skippers with our plan and detailed the exact location they needed to rendezvous with the helicopter. It was great to see it all the planning come together from the helicopter.”

Along with Mark, Matt Dickens from OnEdition Photography and Chris Bowerman from Sweet TV took to the sky from RNAS Lee-on-Solent to capture footage, which will be used across several different platforms.

“It’s an important event ahead of each edition of the race and emotive for the crew. We captured the moment the fleet unveiled their spectacular asymmetric spinnakers for the first time,” explains Katharine Schäfli, Head of Brand.

“The images will be used in 360°, the Clipper Race official magazine, our global advertising campaign as well as extensively on the race’s website and other channels,” adds Katharine.

Click here to view a selection of the images from the photo shoot.