Lake Como Inspires Carlo Borlenghi’s Photography

“The lake never fails to gift me something incredible. Athletes train in the gym, I fine-tuned my skills on the lake” Carlo Borlengi

Born in Bellano on the shores of Lake Como in 1956, Carlo Borlenghi’s path to becoming one of the world’s foremost sailing photographers began with the waters closest to home. He started capturing local regattas, drawn to the movement of sails cutting through the lake’s surface. Those early images laid the foundation for a career that would take him across the globe, yet always remain tethered to the influence of Como.

Borlenghi’s ability to capture the dynamism and elegance of sailing quickly led him beyond the lake. His work with Uomo Mare Vogue magazine opened doors to covering major international regattas. Over the years, he became the official photographer for numerous prestigious Rolex sailing events and was embedded in multiple America’s Cup campaigns, from Azzurra in Newport to Luna Rossa in Auckland. His portfolio includes collaborations with renowned sailor Giovanni Soldini, documenting various vessels in some of the world’s most challenging waters.

His images, recognised for their precision and artistry, have been exhibited internationally, including at Paris’s Louis Vuitton space and the Mairie XVI Arrondissement. Whether capturing the sheer power of an ocean race or the stillness of a lone boat on Lake Como, Borlenghi’s photography balances technical mastery with an innate understanding of the sport.

Throughout his career, Borlenghi has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sailing photography. In 1983, he was awarded the Marian Skubin prize for the best sports photograph published in Italy. He went on to win the Marina di Pescara award for three consecutive years, recognizing his role in promoting yachting culture in Italy. In 1986, he received the Grand Prix Professional de la Photo de Mer in Paris, organized by the French Chamber of Commerce. His excellence was further acknowledged in 2003 when he won the Omega award as Italy’s best sports photographer. In 2007, he earned the Grand Prix de l’Image Course au Large at the Salon Nautique de Paris, and that same year, he was honored by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano for his dedication to sailing photography.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Borlenghi took on a new challenge: learning to capture portraits. Used to photographing the vastness of the sea, he shifted his focus to the human face, refining his skills in an entirely new discipline. Following the lockdown, he embarked on an ambitious personal project—documenting every single resident of his hometown, Bellano. The series became a testament to resilience and community, capturing the essence of the people who make up the town that shaped him.

Despite decades spent documenting the open seas, Borlenghi credits Lake Como as the true starting point of his passion. He often reflects on his early days photographing friends racing across the lake, moments that unknowingly shaped his career. His ability to capture both the serenity and intensity of sailing remains rooted in those first experiences—proof that no matter how far he travels, his work will always carry the spirit of Como.

You can see more of Carlo Borlenghi’s work on his website https://www.carloborlenghi.com/