Updated: Jul 20
DJI Inspire 3 Meets Mag Bay Yachts: Capturing Luxury on the Water and Redefining Aerial Cinematography
Since 2020, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to provide drone cinematography for Mag Bay Yachts, capturing the sleek elegance and raw power of their vessels, including the 42ft yacht, 33CC, 38CC, and 43CC models. Working alongside Black Sail Media, we’ve been able to produce stunning aerial footage that showcases these luxury boats in motion, carving through deep blue waters in some of the most beautiful locations imaginable. From the crystal-clear shallows of Bimini to the rugged coastline of the West Coast, every shoot has been a thrilling experience, pushing the limits of aerial cinematography to capture the speed, precision, and craftsmanship of each vessel. Whether flying the Inspire 2 or Inspire 3, we’ve tailored our shots to highlight the dynamic performance of these boats, from breathtaking high-speed tracking shots to smooth, cinematic reveals at sunrise and sunset. The combination of expert piloting, top-tier camera technology, and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling has allowed us to create visuals that not only showcase the boats but also evoke the exhilarating lifestyle they represent.
The Challenges of Flying Over Water
Filming yachts from the air comes with its own set of challenges, and flying drones over open water adds an extra level of intensity. Unlike shooting on land, there's no solid ground for takeoffs or landings, GPS signals can be inconsistent, and environmental factors, like wind, sea spray, and unpredictable boat movement, can make every flight a high-stakes operation. The margin for error is slim when we’re hovering over the ocean with an expensive drone, knowing that one wrong move could mean losing a drone to the depths.
For years, we relied on the Inspire 2, which performed well in these conditions, but upgrading to the Inspire 3 has brought a mix of improvements and unexpected issues.
The Inspire 3: A Game Changer… but Not Without Its Faults
The Inspire 3 introduced several improvements that make capturing yachts easier, including better low-light performance, integrated dynamic home point into the RC,a full-frame 8K sensor, and stronger wind resistance, all of which help when tracking high-speed boats over open water. The footage is undeniably more cinematic, with better color depth and clarity, especially during golden hour shoots when the light is perfect.
However, the Inspire 3 has not been flawless. One of the biggest concerns with this drone is the possibility of an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) failure, which has been reported by other operators. Knowing that the ESC could fail mid-flight adds an extra layer of stress to every mission, especially when flying over deep water with no margin for error. Fortunately, we have never experienced an ESC failure, but it’s something we remain highly aware of every time we launch. Also the ability to NOT take off while on a boat due to the "magnetic interference" is another issue at times. However, proper pre-flight checks, careful monitoring of the drone's performance, and always having an emergency recovery plan in place are crucial when flying in these high-risk environments.
Working with Black Sail Media
When Black Sail Media first reached out about filming Mag Bay Yachts, neither of us knew what to expect or what we were getting ourselves into sorta. That first project turned into an epic adventure, pushing our creative and technical limits. From high-speed running shots over open water in the middle of the Atlantic to golden-hour shots, it was clear from day one that this was the start of something great.
A great production comes down to collaboration, and working with Wes of Black Sail Media has been a pretty solid experience. His attention to detail and commitment to high-quality visuals match our own, allowing us to push the boundaries of drone cinematography. The synergy between our us has led to dynamic, visually striking shots that showcase Mag Bay’s vessels in their best light. What began as a single project has evolved into an ongoing creative partnership, proving that when the right teams come together, the results speak for themselves.
Casing Yachts in Beautiful Locations
One of the best parts of working with Mag Bay Yachts is the travel. Shooting their yachts has taken us to some of the most stunning locations, from the turquoise waters of the Bahamas to the iconic coastlines of Jupiter, Florida, and beyond.
Some of the most memorable trips have included:
Cruising to the Bahamas – Exploring Chub Cay and Bimini, where crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches made for breathtaking aerial shots.
Shooting in Jupiter, Florida – A location famous for its pristine beaches and deep blue waters, creating the perfect backdrop for showcasing Mag Bay’s vessels.
The West Coast, California – Capturing the boats along dramatic coastlines with waves crashing beneath, adding an extra element of motion and power to the visuals.
Spending the day on a beautiful peice of engineering, filming golden-hour shots, it's truly an experience like no other. Every shoot we're on is a mix of high-energy action and peaceful appreciation of the scenery, making it one of the most rewarding parts of our job.
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Looking Ahead
Four years into working with Mag Bay Yachts, we’re still excited every time we launch a drone over the water. Every project brings new challenges, new locations, and new ways to push the limits of aerial cinematography. Whether it’s flying inches above the surface to capture the perfect wake shot or soaring high above to get a sweeping perspective of a yacht cutting through the ocean, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of filming these incredible machines in their element. DJI Inspire 3 Meets Mag Bay Yachts: Capturing Luxury on the Water, with the Inspire 3, a strong creative partnership with Black Sail Media, and Mag Bay Yachts taking us to breathtaking destinations, we can’t wait to see where the next adventure leads, hopefully with fewer technical failures along the way.
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