Born in Greece, Alexis Andrews moved to London to study photography. In 1985 he sailed to Antigua and hasn’t looked back since. Working as a commercial photographer in the yachting industry, his images have been featured in magazines and luxury charter advertising for over three decades. After purchasing an old Carriacou sloop that had sunk in Antigua, he rebuilt the vessel and sailed her back to the Grenadines to meet her creator. This sparked a coffee table book tribute to the last boatbuilders of the islands and the subject of a documentary film, Vanishing Sail, which won seven international festival awards.
You’ve been living in Antigua for nearly 40 years now. How have you seen the islands change in that time?
The entire region has changed considerably and continues to evolve. While the most striking changes have taken place in tourism developments, Antigua’s coastline and offshore islands remain relatively untouched by commercialism. I do hope this continues to be the case. The continued success of our yachting industry is based on balancing respect for our marine environment and creating training opportunities for young Antiguans in our highly specialised marine services sector.
After studying photography in London, you sailed to Antigua and became a photographer in the marine industry. What came first, your interest in sailing or your interest in photography?
My interest in photography came at an early age as I grew up in a family of artists but the sea was never far from my thoughts. After several years travelling with a camera throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and the US I ended up working on a yacht that was heading to Antigua for Sailing Week. This is where I realised I could perhaps combine my two passions.
When you’re not taking photos of superyachts, what type of photos do you like taking in your spare time?
My work is varied, and I’m often called to shoot private villas, hotels as well as music industry projects. I enjoy every challenge that comes my way, and I especially enjoy working with interesting people who are passionate and committed to their craft as well.
Who or what is your most significant influence?
I continue to enjoy the work of the great masters in photography, but I also pay a lot of attention to my assistants as they are younger and see the world in new and different ways.
You started the St Barth’s West Indies Regatta. That must have been a huge undertaking. What makes this regatta unique in the region?
Not so long ago, all these islands were emerging nations and travel between them was on island-built sailing vessels. The people of St. Barthelemy like to honour their heritage and remind young people of simpler times. The event brings together traditional beach-built boats and sailors from the Windward and Leeward islands to race, play music and tell good stories.
Vanishing Sail was your first film. Are you planning to make any more?
Long-form documentary is a very time-consuming discipline; Vanishing Sail was a 10-year adventure. These days I prefer short-film and video projects.
Where is your favourite spot in Antigua & Barbuda?
Green Island. I have spent a lot of time there setting up photoshoots on large yachts, but when I have free time, I love to sail those waters with my family, especially in the summer months when there are few visitors – reminds me of the early days when I first saw Antigua as a young man.
To view more of Alexis Andrews, go to www.alexisandrews.com or Instagram.com/alexis_antigua