The international sailing community is mourning Carlo Borlenghi, one of the sport’s most influential photographers, who died at his home in Bellano, Italy, aged 70.
While Borlenghi’s career took him to the world’s leading regattas, his contribution to Australian sailing was particularly significant. His association with Australia included the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, where he photographed Italian challenger Italia against Western Australia’s strong winds, bright skies and powerful seas.
For Australian audiences, Borlenghi will be remembered most vividly through his decades covering the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. From the fleet charging through Sydney Heads on Boxing Day to yachts battling south along the Tasmanian coast and arriving at Constitution Dock, his photographs helped define the race for generations.
Borlenghi possessed a rare ability to capture more than speed or competition. His images revealed the scale of the ocean, the vulnerability of crews and the elegance of yachts under pressure. Photographs of leading Australian maxis, including Wild Oats XI, became part of the visual history of the nation’s greatest ocean race and carried its drama worldwide.
Born on Lake Como in 1956, Borlenghi began photographing local regattas before building a career spanning the America’s Cup, Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Races, and major superyacht events.
He leaves an extraordinary photographic legacy and the gratitude of Australia’s sailing community. Marine Business News extends its condolences to his wife, Alessandra, family, friends and colleagues.
Fair winds and following seas.
