A local film and production company that was granted the licence to produce official America’s Cup photographic prints has organised a gallery on Front Street to display and sell shots taken from the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series racing last October.

LookBermuda has produced a series of on-water and close-up shots of the AC catamarans soaring through the water, including exclusive aerial photographs of the races.

The gallery at The Bermuda Shop includes shots of the entire racing amphitheatre taken from a plane, full of spectator boats with the island pictured in the background — now being displayed for the first time to the public.

LookBermuda’s founder, photographer and film-maker Jean-Pierre Rouja, brought in the services of Bermudians Chris Burville and Steven Flood who successfully produced shots close to the action.

Mr Rouja said: “For the America’s Cup, this process started well before it was awarded when we pulled together a team to secure broadcast-quality Bermuda sailing footage that was subsequently used in the video that we co-produced when the cup was awarded.

“For the 2015 world series it was clear that the racing itself would be well covered by the international and local media so we set about documenting the event from alternate angles to showcase the Bermuda setting.

“Bermuda from the air is simply stunning. However, the use of drones was banned during the racing due to potential conflicts with the helicopter that was used for the ACTV filming. Therefore, the only opportunity for aerial photography was at a higher altitude from a plane so when one became available, we booked it for the duration of the racing, thus securing what ended up being the only aerial photography of the event.

“To be sure we covered all angles, at water level our team included local photographers Chris Burville and Steven Flood who successfully produced alternate racing views and dynamic action racing shots which have also been popular.”

LookBermuda embargoed the resulting imagery while negotiating the licensing agreement with the America’s Cup Event Authority and for launch via an America’s Cup theme currently being rolled out as part of LookBermuda’s AirportArt installations.

The “museum quality” photos are printed on aluminium using the latest dye sublimation process, through which the ink is vaporised and embedded into the aluminium coating. They do not need framing and are said to be impervious to traditional Bermuda mould and mildew. The prints are ready to install with a special rear-mounted frame that “floats” them one inch off the wall.

Mr Rouja added: “Of particular interest to many sailors is the fact that through the high angle aerial close-ups, we have been able to capture the duelling as the teams battle their way around the marks with their wake often looking like calligraphy.

“Another is a gigapixel panorama that was shot from 3,000 ft as the racing fleet and spectator flotilla returned to Hamilton through Two Rock Passage. The panoramic view extends from the Great Sound all the way into Hamilton and was shot specifically for some of the larger airport walls being of high enough resolution to be printed up to 10ft x 40ft.

“LookBermuda has always looked for unique, often non-traditional ways to better portray Bermuda and document significant events.

“The prints are proving to be very popular with America’s Cup and sailing fans as memorabilia of this signature event but also with those looking for unique Bermuda imagery for either personal or corporate display.”

The gallery has been installed in the Bermuda Shop on Front Street to complement their America’s Cup merchandise, where the prints can be previewed and purchased. They are available in the following sizes: Standard: 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x40, 36x54. Panoramic: 12x36, 12x54.

While the Bermuda prints are produced locally, to avoid potential international shipping issues, LookBermuda is also able to offer US delivery via UPS or Fed Ex direct from its alternate US printer.

Contact LookBermuda for details and for online viewing visit: www.lookbermuda.com/americas-cup.