A LEGEND OF NAUTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY PASSES AWAY
Carlo Borlenghi, the legendary Italian photographer whose lens captured the most memorable moments in world sailing, has passed away at the age of 70. His death on May 3, 2026, has left a profound void in the nautical world during the celebration of the 44th Copa del Rey MAPFRE, one of the regattas he visited countless times throughout his career.
Borlenghi, born in 1956 in Bellano along Lake Como, dedicated over 40 years to portraying the essence of competitive sailing. His art was not limited to photographing boats in motion: his images conveyed the tension of a start, the raw power of the wind on the sails, and the euphoria of victory. With an unmistakable style characterized by innovative framing and a masterful instinct for capturing the decisive moment, he revolutionized how the sport is photographed.
FROM ANONYMITY TO INTERNATIONAL GLORY
His international acclaim came in 1983 when he documented Azzurra's participation in the America's Cup in Newport. From then on, he was present at virtually every major campaign of the sport's oldest competition, following teams such as Il Moro di Venezia, Luna Rossa, and Alinghi, eventually becoming an official photographer for the America's Cup.
His career extended far beyond this iconic trophy. He covered legendary events such as the Whitbread Round the World Race, the Volvo Ocean Race, the Rolex circuit, and multiple Olympic competitions. He also accompanied the expeditions of sailor Giovanni Soldini, building a visual archive that has become an essential part of contemporary sailing's collective memory.
His photographs appeared in specialized magazines, newspapers, and promotional campaigns, becoming an essential reference for fans, organizers, and photographers worldwide.
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
His career was honored with prestigious international awards, including the Omega Award for best sports photographer and the Grand Prix de l'Image Course au Large in Paris. In 2007, then-President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano granted him a special recognition for his invaluable contribution to the world of sailing.
A LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS
Beyond the awards, Borlenghi leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy. Generations of photographers found inspiration in his work, while sailors and teams admired his unique ability to understand competition from the inside and turn every photograph into a powerful visual narrative.
His camera will no longer be on the press boats searching for the perfect angle, but his peerless way of seeing the sea will endure forever in thousands of images that define the history of this sport.
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