IT was a double celebration for a photographer when two of his entries were chosen to feature in the 2016 ilovesailing calender.

Steve Belasco was selected for June and was thrilled with his achievement.

He said: "I am delighted to have two of my pictures selected for the ilovesailing calender.

"Marine photography is my passion and I spend as much time as I can on the beautiful waters of the Jurassic Coast in my little motor boat.

"I've built up a library of images of all aspects of our World Heritage Site, which includes the people and animals who use it.

"And of course, boats are a very big part of that.

"Having two photographs selected underscores the naturally-stunning surroundings of Europe's finest sailing waters."

The first of Steve's winning shots is a racing image taken in Weymouth Bay.

Steve said: "The Georgian Esplanade was described by Antiques Roadshow stalwart Paul Atterbury as 'the finest Regency seafront in England'.

What a marvellous backdrop for the popular Weymouth Sailing Club evening series."

His second image, also taken in Weymouth Bay, continues the Regency theme.

Steve added: "Here's George III, who adored Weymouth, carved in the hillside in this shot of yacht Wahinee Waves sailing in Weymouth Bay."

As well as his two spots on the 2016 calendar Steve also won two tickets to the PSP Southampton Boat Show for the official prize giving, a canvas print of his winning entries, a copy of the final printed calendar, a selection of RYA goodies and of course the coveted ilovesailing rubber duck.

ilovesailing co-ordinator Emma Slater said: "Yet again the calibre of entries in the competition was extremely high and choosing just two winning shots proved a tricky task for the judges.

"However, after much deliberation two photos were chosen which we then found out both belonged to Steve; he clearly has an eye for taking great sailing photos."

The ilovesailing calendar competition opened in March and runs until August 2015, with two winners being picked each month.

Winners will be announced on the ilovesailing Facebook page.

To take part post your favourite sailing photos on to the ilovesailing Facebook page, facebook.com/ryailovesailing, or email your entry to emma.slater@rya.org.uk

The 2016 calendars will go on sale at the 2015 Southampton Boat Show in September, with the first 100 people to purchase a copy also receiving a 2015 green ilovesailing rubber duck.

Alternatively the calendars will also be available to purchase via rya.org.uk/shop

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoMeg