something like this:
here's a sample spec sheet (1.5 lbs doesn't sound like too much to carry aloft)

tethered to a large balloon or zepplin (for aerodynamics). You could even run the power/control cable down the tether so you don't have to use RC/batteries for the camera.

75' of tether should be long enough to get the camera high up, even when towed at reasonable speed (15 kts) depending on bouyancy of zeppelin.

$500 USD for the whole setup (minus helium cost), which is probably less than one helo without camera.


Come to think of it, if there were one of these setups to windward of A mark, leeward of C mark, and the PRO boat, you'd have quite a good set of vantage points for a bouy race, too...