RIB Photo Contest 2023 Crowns Its Winners

RIB Photo Contest 2023 Crowns Its Winners
The winners are champions

Truly Winners

The thrilling waves of anticipation have finally settled. We’re delighted to unveil the extraordinary winners of the very first RIB photo contest. This contest is presented by the renowned blog RIBsONLY.com.

Huge Shoutout: Thank You, Jury

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed members of the jury. Their invaluable dedication, expertise, and competence contribute immensely to our shared journey in celebrating nautical photography.

Categories that Ignited Imagination

In an exploration of the world of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), our contest featured four captivating categories. All of them were brimming with potential.

However, the spotlight shone on three. Each one captured a unique facet of RIB adventures: Leisure Use, Commercial Ventures, and the Artistry of Professional Photography.

If You Can’t Wait…

The first photo contest submission ever
Category A: Leisure use
Category B: Professional use
Category C: Professional photography
Honourable Mentions

A Tale in Every Frame

Our global community of RIB enthusiasts flooded us with awe-inspiring visuals, each narrating a distinct story.

The submissions showcased leisurely escapes that embrace the thrill of the sea.

They included commercial exploits making waves. Additionally, the artistry of professional photographers freezing moments in time was highlighted.

These submissions were a testament to the diverse ways RIBs touch our lives.

Celebrating Excellence

The international jury faced a delightful challenge. They had to select the cream of the crop.

They found themselves immersed in a sea of creativity and passion.

Join us in celebrating the photographers whose vision and skill have elevated this contest to new heights.

Stay tuned as we showcase the winning entries, bringing to life the heart and soul of each category.

A Round of Applause

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who participated, making the first RIB photo contest a resounding success.

Your passion for Rigid Inflatable Boats has truly made a splash!

Ride the Waves with RIBsONLY.com

As we bask in the glory of this inaugural event, RIBsONLY.com looks forward to more thrilling adventures on the horizon. Keep the spirit of RIB exploration alive with us!

And the Winners Are…

Prepare yourself for a visual journey. We will unveil the winning entries.

Then, we will delve into the captivating stories behind each frame. The adventure is just beginning!

So after meticulous deliberation, the international jury proudly presents the winners! In each of the three vibrant categories, five outstanding entries have emerged victorious. Their exceptional storytelling through the lens has left an indelible mark on the RIB community.

First Photo Contest Submission Ever

2023 RIB Photo Contest first entrant Ian Ashton @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Big sea Iron”

2023 RIB Photo Contest first entry Ian Ashton @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Ian Ashton

Description by the Author:

Photo taken on the Tay Estuary with 70 kph wind. RIB is a humber 7.8 offshore (custom size) with Suzuki DF350A.


Category A: Leisure use


20123 RIB Photo Contest cat A 1 Mark Taylor @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Bare Boating”

"Bare Boating"  by Mark Taylor

Description by the Author:

It was taken in one shot and is not Photodhopped.

Comments of the jury:

Made me giggle out loud in the office. Fun picture.
Funny photo. l don’t need anything to be happy,just a RIB.
Very funny shot
This photo has it all; freedom, nature, life, perfect balance, rest and exercise.


20123 RIB Photo Contest cat A 2 Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Scorpion Sting, 3 happy faces enjoying the Western Isles at 45 knots”

Scorpion Sting, 3 happy faces enjoying the Western Isles at 45 knots @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

20123 RIB Photo Contest cat A 3 Andy Squirrell @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Devon mist”

"Devon Mist" by Mark Taylor @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Description by the Author:

Taken from the Highfield when transiting accross South Devon.

Comments of the jury:

That one is a trip to remember!
A perfect illustration of the magical moments that can be spent on the water. The light is beautiful and the dolphin caught at the right moment.
There is something almost religious about the peaceful ambience of that picture.


20123 RIB Photo Contest cat A 4 Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Scorpion Serket 78 creeping up on a whale in Alaska”

"Scorpion Serket 78 creeping up on a whale in Alaska" by Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Comment of the jury:

Not sure who was creeping up on who… Think she may have rumbled you!


20123 RIB Photo Contest cat A 5 Mike Kerfoot @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“In repose”

Comments of the jury:

Having just spotted the brand of rib, the strap line definitely fits with the image,”Dare to explore”.
Looks good and all for some exploring and getting away from the normal.
Really like the layout of the boat. You don’t need a big unit to live aboard.
Love the “survival mode” feeling of that picture!


Category B: Professional use


20123 RIB Photo Contest cat B 1 BMC @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Conquering the waves in style”


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat B 2 Mark Mullen @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“York Rescue Boat on a Missing Person Search”

"York Rescue Boat on 
 a Missing Person Search-Professional" Mark-Mullen @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Description by the Author:

It shows my search and rescue team, York Rescue Boat, engaged in a missing person search in York in the North of England, using our Highfield Patrol 660 lifeboat.

Comments of the jury:

Love this as it stirs the emotions. Hope the outcome was good.
Nicely framed, colours, sense of movement Hope all went well
The light is fantastic, the camera speed well set and you really feel aboard the baat.


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat B 2 Andy Squirrell @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“GAFIRS 1”

GAFIRS-1 by Andy Squirrell @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Description by the Author:

GAFIRS is an independent lifeboat and inshore rescue service that was founded in 1969. As a declared facility to the UK Coastguard, they provide emergency lifeboat cover to the Eastern Solent and Portsmouth Harbour.
Showing the deployment of Rigid Inflatable Boats used for professional, commercial and rescue operations use only.
A Solent Rescue Club in their respective ribs.


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat B 2 Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Helicopter transfers training from the bow of a Scorpion Serket 98”

"Helicopter transfers training from the bow of a Scorpion Serket 98" Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Comment of the jury:

Very Creative


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat B 5 Australian Institute @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Protecting the Great Barrier Reef”

"Protecting the Great Barrier Reef" by Australian Marine Research Institute @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Category C: Professional photography


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat C 1 MAR.CO @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Here, There and Everywhere”

"Here, There and Everywhere" by MAR.CO @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

2023 RIB Photo Contest cat C 2 Jaime Cristancho @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Frozen serenity: Navigating emotions”

"Frozen serenity: Navigating emotions" by Jaime Cristancho @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

Comments of the jury:

Wow! Just WOW!
Amazing landscape!


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat C 3 MAR.CO @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“No direction home”

“No direction home” by MAR.CO @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

2023 RIB Photo Contest cat C 4 Scorpion @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Cutting action of a Scorpion 9m stepped hull”

SONY DSC

Comment of the jury:

Very cool indeed! Nice boat, great angle to see it from


2023 RIB Photo Contest cat C 3 5 Giuliano Koren @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Taming the Waves”


Honourable Mentions


2023 RIB Photo Contest Mentions @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home

“Centomiglia del Lario”

"Centomiglia del Lario" by Fabio Rattazzi @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Fabio Rattazzi, Italy

“Flaar 5.7e electric RIB”

"Flaar 5.7e electric RIB" by Gabor Cserta @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Gabor Cserta, Hungary

“WK Como”

"WK Como" Bertrand De Wulf, BE @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Bertrand De Wulf, Belgium

“At Speed”

"At Speed" by Adrian Pearce, UK @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Adrian Pearce, United Kingdom

“Twins incharge”

"Twins incharge" by Michael Nechajev, UK @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Michael Nechajev, United Kingdom

“Enjoying the Whitsundays – Barrier Reef, Australia”

"Enjoying the Whitsundays – Barrier Reef, Australia" by R Marine Crawley, Riviera, AU @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
R Marine Crawley, Riviera, Australia

“Exploring the beauty of QQThe Barrier Reef, Australia”

"Exploring the beauty of The Barrier Reef, Australia" by Andrew Apel, AU
Andrew Apel, Australia

“Home of the Swans”

"Home of the Swans" by Karl Petermichl, Austria @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Karl Petermichl, Austria

“Divers away”

"Divers away" by Andy Squirrell @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Andy Squirrell, United Kingdom

“Hebridean night out”

"Hebridean night out" by Phillip Stewart, UK @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Phillip Stewart, United Kingdom

Final Thoughts

As we draw the curtains on the inaugural Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) photo contest, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the winners and every other participant who shared their unique perspectives and captivating moments with us.

Now let us look forward to future editions of the RIB photo contest by RIBsONLY.com, where we can continue to celebrate the allure of Rigid Inflatable Boats through the lens of many photographers from around the globe.

2 Thoughts to “RIB Photo Contest 2023 Crowns Its Winners”

  1. Kristel

    Wat een prachtig initiatief!!!
    De foto’s zijn indrukwekkend en nemen je mee in de lens van de fotograaf!

    1. Karel Overlaet, Medianaut

      Dankjewel, Kristel, er zitten inderdaad pareltjes tussen.
      Thank you, Kristel, there are indeed gems among them.

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