Quentin Leo, May 09, 2024

The GoPro brand and its line of action cams defines the growing category of action video cameras in terms of their key features: rugged, waterproof, simple to use, light weight, small form factor, affordable, expendable, low power drain even while recording for several hours.

As such, GoPros and other makers' similar models are go-to kit for surfers, kite boarders, extreme skiers, groomer boomers, all kinds of bikers, base jumpers, skydivers, scuba divers, sport fishermen, and active sports junkies of every possible stripe, including yacht racers.
While action cams can capture once-in-lifetime footage, they aren't designed as high-end cameras. Most consumer digital cameras and mobile phone cameras can capture higher quality audio and video and still images.

Action cams usually lack features like submersible external microphones, interchangeable lenses, and advanced computational photography features that are taken for granted by millions of iPhone content creators.

Gaps in action cam features are forgivable, even baked into the design brief. Action cams' strengths are in simply and reliably getting the shot and bringing it back from situations that would ruin other cameras and the footage on them.
For example, this is the last photo ever taken with my Gulf Stream-drenched Nikkormat in 1976.

When cams are turned on, mounted correctly onboard and left running (with battery draining LCD display turned off), action cams can graze for hours on the spectacular surroundings and excitement of yacht racing. Action cams also unblinkingly record boat handling, deck work, sail settings and shape, and myriad subtleties that may be unseen in the moment.
Competitive crews eager to improve their racing performance know that studying their onboard video after each race can be a game-changer.

Essential entry level features are available at sub $100 prices.
  • Good user guide
  • Waterproof / shockproof enclosure
  • Universal ¼-20 thread mount and/or accessory adapter
  • Integrated LCD screen
  • Simple external button controls with audio feedback
  • 1080p or 4k resolution
  • 2 hours+ battery life
  • Second lithium battery
  • 32 GB+ swappable Micro SDCard flash media storage

Action cams are often bundled with plastic OEM accessory adapters for mounting on surfboards, whitewater kayaks,` snow sports and bike helmets, handlebars, auto dashboard, roof top gear racks, tripods, stands, lighting and lab rigs.

High quality clamps securely grip without marring stainless steel or aluminum finishes. They enable easy placement, adjustment, and removal. While the mount shown above includes a plastic OEM accessory adapter that receives the ¼-20 threaded connector, the simpler ball head swivel with ¼-20 connector that threads directly into a stainless steel base plate is more reliable.

Camera and electronics mount makers listed below offer these and other high quality solutions:

While surfers must use suction mounts on surfboards, using suction mounts on racing boats is not recommended. Ditto for duct tape, gaffer tape, adhesives, velcro, webbing, bungee cord, and the like.

Gimbaled mounts are also not recommended because they can induce unanticipated camera movement, especially in rough sea conditions. Video taken with gimbaled cameras may require hours of editing and still be difficult for viewers to watch.

Where to buy action cams and mounts:

Tips for securely mounting your onboard action cam:
  • Rule #1: Mount the action cam so it won't hinder or distract the helmsman and/or hinder the crew.
  • Rule #2: Refer to Rule #1.
  • Mounting locations that are recommended:
    • Aft quarter, starboard and/or port side push pit rail.
    • The radar mast can provide great shooting angles that capture dramatic images.
    • Ensure that your camera is stable.
    • Give your camera an unobstructed, wide-angle view of the helm, cockpit, and deck.
    • Aim the camera to capture nearby boats, starting area, turning marks. Wind and sea surface add context to your video.
    • Keep Rule #1 in mind.
  • Mounting locations that are not recommended:
    • Bow rail, mast, boom, shrouds, lifelines or stanchions, deck, cockpit or cabin top surfaces, tiller or wheel steerer, binnacle and surrounding structure, close to a magnetic compass, any perch that is exposed to crew movement, flapping sails, flailing lines, breaking seas, strikes from other boats.
  • As an extra measure of security, loosely tether your cam to a solid rail or onboard fixture. Tie another separate tether from the mount to the solid fixture.
    • Use good quality 1.75 mm nylon line. If one or both cam and mount become dislodged neither will be lost overboard.
    • Tethers should be different lengths to keep swinging cam and mount from beating into each other or against stanchions, hardware, hull, deck, etc.
  • Set up and turn on the action cam as you depart the harbor.
  • Leave your action cam running during the entire race.

Check back here for more tips on shooting video from onboard your boat.