6 of the best yachting photos from 2016

The family resemblance was clear for all to see when Princess Yachts gathered six of its largest yachts off the coast of Cyprus in November. The 35.15 metre superyacht Antheya III (second from left) was joined by motor yachts from the 40M, 30M, 88, 82 and 75 collections for the yard’s heads of business conference in Limassol. This never-seen-before display was captured by Quin Bisset just as the Mediterranean sun sank below the horizon.

It takes quite a spectacular setting to dwarf a sailing yacht as monumental as the 54.6 metre Vitters ketch Adèle. Relaunched in July following an extensive refit at Royal Huisman, she headed north to explore the Norwegian fjords, which loom over her Andre Hoek-designed deck in this spectacular aerial shot, which was taken by her captain.

Enigma XK is a converted patrol vessel that has spent the Southern Hemisphere summer season in Antarctica. She is one of the world's top explorer yachts and was photographed by EYOS Expeditions in January 2016 heading through the Lemaire Channel. EYOS Expeditions runs bespoke superyacht expeditions for yacht owners and charterers in some of the most remote locations on earth.

Australia based photographer Pamela Pauline captured this stunning image of a giant waterspout off the coast of Sydney in early January. This passing sailing yacht shows the scale of the waterspout, which only lasted for a few minutes.

Tornadic waterspouts can pose a serious threat to marine traffic. The United States National Weather Service often issues marine warnings when waterspouts are sighted, and recommends keeping a considerable distance away.

This amazing sci-fi-esque shot was taken by Italian yacht builder Rossinavi of  the completed hull of the Longitude 47, Project FR034. Following its construction, the hull was being moved into a different shed in Viareggio to be fitted out.

The second edition of the Millennium Cup took place from 27 - 29 January in New Zealand and Jeff Brown was on hand to take some incredible photos of the world's most southerly superyacht regatta.

There were eight yachts taking part, including the versatile and attractive 39.72 metre  Janice of Wyoming, which was launched by Alloy Yachts in 2005.