Carlo Borlenghi, a luminary in the world of sailing photography, whose work brought global sailing regattas to life, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. His ability to capture the essence of events like the America’s Cup and prestigious superyacht races will leave an indelible mark on the maritime community.
Born in 1956 in Bellano, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, Borlenghi’s passion for both photography and sailing ignited early in his life. He began documenting the local sailing scene by capturing photos of his friends competing in regattas. His big break came in his early 20s when he was commissioned by Uomo Marie, an Italian magazine, to shoot regattas off Alassio’s coasts. Despite his inability to swim, he found thrill in the tumultuous seas encountered by the media boat—a tension he later expressed in an interview with the magazine Giornale della Vela as part concern and part fascination. He believed that his fear of the sea allowed him to emphasize its beauty and ferocity in a way that few others could.
Borlenghi’s major career milestone occurred in 1983. He took on the role of official photographer for Azzurra, Italy’s first challenger for the America’s Cup, held in Newport, Rhode Island. This pivotal partnership set the stage for his long-standing relationship with the event, where he captured every Italian contender up to the present-day Luna Rossa. His photographs became synonymous with Italian sailing challenges as he evolved into the official event photographer over the years. His body of work featured evolving designs, from classic monohulls to high-tech foilers, and his images graced publications worldwide.
Borlenghi’s remarkable eye for detail also opened doors to capturing other significant regattas, including the Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Races. His talent was further recognized when he became the official photographer for elite superyacht events like the Dubois Cup and the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. Moreover, he lent his artistic vision to various shipyards, assisting with promotional photography for new motoryacht projects.
Over his illustrious career, Borlenghi earned numerous accolades, including the Omega Award in Italy for Best Sports Photographer in 2003, and the Grand Prix de l’Image Course au Large presented at the Paris Boat Show in 2007. That same year, he received special recognition from Italy’s President Giorgio Napolitano for his invaluable contribution to the sailing community. His impressive portfolio also led to multiple photographic exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums across Milan and Paris, celebrating his unique perspective on sailing.
Borlenghi’s legacy continues with his family, including his wife Alessandra, as well as the countless friends he considered family. Magnus Wheatley, a noted writer for the America’s Cup, paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling their first meeting in 2000. Wheatley stated that Borlenghi “never failed to inspire or to give the warmest of greetings,” and commended his support for new entrants in the sailing community. He articulated that Borlenghi’s exceptional talent wasn’t merely about technical skill; it was underpinned by a profound understanding of sailboat racing dynamics. His photographs encapsulated movement, atmosphere, and humanity alike.
The superyacht world also mourned Borlenghi’s passing. Heesen Yachts, a leading superyacht builder, expressed their appreciation for his work on iconic yacht photo shoots. They highlighted the joy experienced while collaborating with the “maestro,” underlining their thoughts and prayers for his family and all who sailed alongside him in the maritime tapestry he so beautifully documented.
A farewell service for Carlo Borlenghi is scheduled for August 8, where friends, family, and members of the sailing community will pay their final respects to a man whose lens transformed the perception of sailing regattas worldwide.