Photographic Workshops
A day with the J class
It has been a good few years since the J class yachts graced the Solent.
The boat is fully licensed to carry 12 persons (plus crew) up to 60 miles offshore, but I shall be limiting numbers to just 7 including myself to give us plenty of room on deck and we won’t be going any where near 60 miles offshore! She has full facilities including a large saloon and electric flush loo! The precise details will be finalised when the racing schedule is known, but the day will start from Lymington early. The race is scheduled to start at 10am for the 20 nautical mile course. We’ll know more once the schedule has been finalised, but as it stands, we will leave Lymington just after 7:00 am to allow us to get into position during the preamble before the start.
I will be able to advise where, what and how to photograph in these conditions as well as providing general advice as required, but note that this is a 'Join Me' so I will be taking my own images as well. You can read more about 'Join Me' workshops here
Okay, some things about the Solent and the racing. First of all, the Solent has a certain ‘choppiness’, which although not usually great, does create a motion that some find unpleasant. The racing boats and general traffic in the Solent create a wake which means that our boat, is moving and rocking all day. This makes it sometimes difficult to secure footing and all the fresh air together with keeping upright will make you tired at the end of the day. This is Britain, and although early summer, it may(sic) rain! It may also be windy. There may be no wind and the racing slow. Irrespective of all this negativity, we shall, (except under force majeure), still be going.
Please also note that these yachts are very popular. The racing will be marshalled and we cannot guarantee how close we can get to the yachts. My anticipation is that it will be busy on the water. Don’t expect hordes of yachts either, there are only nine of these yachts in the whole world that are sailing! It is anticipated that there will be five yachts attending this event, but just one is a magnificent site.
Having said all that, those that have been out on this boat for the Round the Island race and Cowes Week events over the past few years have all enjoyed the experience and raved about it. You can read some of the Guest Comments from Workshops here You can also have a look at the ’Images from Workshops’ page here to see some of the images taken by guests this year.
Upon booking, you will be advised on what equipment and clothing you will need, which most photographers will possess already, with the possible exception of a waterproof camera and lens cover. There will also be advice on sea sickness prevention as well. Last year there was no ‘mal de mer’ though! On the day, a full safety briefing will be carried out by the skipper prior to departure and then I will advise on suggested camera settings; what to look for; what to look out for etc to enable you to gain the most from the day.
The cost will be £235 per person which includes tea and coffee together with the snack box of bananas, chocolate bars, snack bars and of course, Julia’s flapjack. For lunch, we’ll probably anchor up in a convenient place, so you’ll need to bring a packed lunch with you. Numbers are limited, so if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then email
