UPY 2025

UPY 2019 Wrecks - Highly Commended
'The Yacht Gunilda'
Becky Kagan Schott

The Gunilda is thought to be one of the most stunning shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. It is in a remote area in Northern Lake Superior and sits in 84 meters of ice cold, black water. The 60 meter long Yacht sank after running aground in 1911 and today remains preserved in the freshwater. The flying bridge is a highlight with wheel, binnacle, and telegraph.

Judge's comment: It's images like these which push the boundaries of Wreck Underwater Photography. This image resonated with me in a positive way for the absence of divers in, on and around the wreck. I suspect they were too busy positioning the high intensity lights. As a result the illumination is simply superb. The divers are out of shot but the quality of light and in particular, the area you intended to illuminate could not have been handled any better at all! You have captured 'In light' The heart and sole of the wreck. It's not- under lit or over-lit. The position of the bridge (as you point out) is in the shadows with subtle lights just hinting at the telegraph, wheel and binnacle.
Martin Edge