Flying Forward: How FPV Is Pushing Marine Content Into the Future
It’s not an exaggeration to say that drones have transformed how we see sport — and nowhere is that more obvious than on the water.
This past weekend, while flying during the Cape 31 class racing, I found myself thinking about just how far things have come. When I first started capturing sailing events, aerial coverage meant one thing: a helicopter. A few thousand pounds per hour, limited range, noisy, and not exactly nimble. Fast forward a few years, and a drone fits in a backpack, flies in under a minute, and captures angles we’d never have dreamed of before — even in the Southern Ocean or hundreds of miles offshore.
From Impressive to Essential
Aerial shots used to be a big deal — now they’re expected. Drone footage has become so mainstream in yachting and sports media that the question is no longer if there will be drone footage, but what kind. The wide flyover is no longer enough. As creators, we need to push the visuals, evolve the storytelling, and keep finding new ways to make people feel something through the screen.
That’s where the next evolution is happening — and it's already underway with FPV (First Person View) drones. Unlike traditional camera drones that hover and glide, FPV rigs move in dynamic, multi-axis ways, flying faster, lower, and with more intention. The result is footage that feels felt — immersive, kinetic, and very different from what we’ve seen before. That difference catches attention, especially in the world of short-form media where scroll speed is the enemy.
But is FPV the new normal? Not yet. It’s a skill. Flying FPV drones well is one thing — landing them safely at sea is another. And while it’s a future-facing tool, it's not a replacement for the fundamentals just yet.
Coaching Tools & Real-Time Feedback
What’s just as interesting as media is the way drones are now being used as performance tools. These days, you’ll find sailing coaches with a DJI Mini and a stack of batteries on board, flying at every start and every mark rounding. It’s not just for show — it’s data. They’re reviewing positioning, tactics, and performance in real time. Drones are no longer just for spectators; they’re becoming essential kit for serious teams.
In recent months, I’ve had the chance to pass on some knowledge — helping others in the industry improve their flying, teaching IMOCA skippers how to take off and land drones from moving yachts, and most recently, giving a few lessons to another videographer at the RYA Youth Nationals who was keen to sharpen her confidence over water.
It’s a Sea-Based Skill
Operating a drone on land is one thing. Flying and recovering one from a moving boat in a breeze is something else entirely.
I often joke that the only reason I still have a job is because AI hasn’t figured out how to land a drone on a yacht… yet. Plenty have tried — and plenty have lost drones overboard. Sadly, it’s not just gear lost; it’s plastic in the ocean, which no one feels good about.
That’s why prep matters. You learn by doing (and by making mistakes):
Having your setup ready before you're on deck
Knowing how to get your drone in the air fast
Using mounts and accessories that actually work at sea
Making your workflow practical — not just cinematic
These are the things that make the difference between getting the shot… or watching it sink.
Where We Go From Here
Drones have permanently reshaped sailing media — and now they’re reshaping performance, coaching, and content strategy too.
But staying ahead means evolving. For those of us behind the lens, it’s not just about having the latest gear — it’s about thinking differently. FPV is one way forward. Smarter workflows are another. But at its core, it’s still about storytelling — just from higher, faster, and more immersive angles.
If you’re looking to improve your drone skills at sea, explore new approaches to content capture, or just want to avoid losing one off the transom, I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.