Offshore Stories

Aperture – Behind the Lens with Andrea Francolini

For more than three decades, Andrea Francolini has been capturing the yachts, people and unpredictable moments that make the sport of sailing so visually compelling. From the days of Velvia 50 slide film to today’s digital cameras, his career has taken him around the world and, eventually, to Australia.

Offshore Online caught up with Andrea to hear from one of the sport’s great artists.

Lap of Tasmania

Anyone who has raced the Rolex Sydney to Hobart comes away struck by Tasmania’s beauty, even though we only glimpse a small part of it. During the race you’re usually too far offshore, it’s night, or you’re too busy racing to take much in. After ten Hobart races and almost as many delivery trips north, CYCA Member Patrick St John always wanted to explore the island properly. In 2026 he finally did—by sailing around it. Here’s his story.