Powerful Volvo Ocean Race image could win award

A powerful image capturing the full fury of the Southern Ocean as faced by Volvo Ocean Race competitors could win Inmarsat Media Crew Member overall award winner Hamish Hooper a further accolade.

The photograph, showing Camper's Stuart Bannatyne and Adam Minoprio working calmly at the helm as their yacht is deluged by violent waves, is up for the Yacht Racing Image of the Year 2012.

The public is being asked to vote for their favourite picture taken by a professional yacht racing photographer during the year.

On display

The 24 most popular images will be displayed at the World Yacht Racing Forum in Gothenburg.

Shortlisted pictures will be judged by an independent jury, with the winning image announced on 12 December.

Hamish took his nominated shot on 9 April as the Volvo Ocean Race yachts took a pounding during leg 5 from New Zealand to Brazil.

Best coverage

Camper was one of three yachts to sustain serious damage to their hulls.

New Zealander Hamish won Inmarsat's MCM award for leg 5 before going on to be presented with the prize for best overall contribution to coverage of the 2011/12 race.

The yachts' MCMs used FleetBroadband to send live and store-and-forward video footage, stills and blogs back to race HQ.

To vote for Hamish's picture, visit the World Yacht Racing Forum's Yacht Racing Image of the Year Facebook page.