Reflections - Carlo Borlenghi
Our November 2020 Ultimate Sailing Calendar shot is the perfect image to bring in the holiday season. The sailors are bundled against the chill in a frothy sea, but warmed by the golden glow of the sun, which reflects against Nyala’s hull.
This stunning piece of artistry comes from my dear colleague Carlo Borlenghi, whose work we have been proud to feature in the calendar several times.
Carlo is known at the ‘Master of yachting photography’ not for his age (he’s just 64) but for his mastery of this medium. And it’s no surprise he has an eye for beauty! He grew up on Lake Como, Italy, where lush mountains tumble down to crystalline waters, edged with storybook villages. Immersed in such dramatic scenery from such a young age set the bar high, and Carlo has dedicated his life to capturing magnificent images around the globe.
In creating this shot he explained he was purposely looking for the juxtaposition of two yachts, as he trailed Nyala in a RIB off Porto Santo Stefano, Italy. Nyala is a 12 Metre originally launched in 1938, and restored in 1996 by Patrizio Bertelli, CEO of the Prada Group, and an America's Cup Hall of Famer.
Carlo admitted this photo was taken during team training: so it was easier to stay close to the boats than it would have been during a live race. But still it was intense competition as the boats tuned up for the 12 Metre World Championships in Newport, RI.
It was, Carlo reflected, “a really beautiful day with 15 to 20 knots of wind and a perfect cutting light, and I followed Nyala, waiting the crossing with Kookaburra,” finally capturing this image with his Canon 1DX Mark II camera and 100-400m lens.
“It’s always great to have at your disposal a pair of historic boats, with the two crews sailing at the highest level,” he quipped, saying it gave the day an authentic feeling of an America’s Cup Race from years gone by.
And as for Nyala: in Rhode Island Patrizio Bertelli, with Mauro Pelaschier at the helm and 15 other crew jammed onboard the 70-foot classic, led Nyala on to win the World Title in the prestigious Vintage Division: their third World Championship (2008, 2014).
Top level yacht racing, at the most spectacular venues, aboard the most stunning boats in the world: that’s what we endeavor to deliver at Ultimate Sailing.
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Everywhere there’s a pop of color – in the spinnakers, graphics and the depth of the sea – adding to sailing’s multi-sensory sport, art and passion. ‘Like the intense vermilion and marigold of Fast Exit II’s sail plan; the tones emblemizing the force and fury of the yacht as it plows through the azure waves of Hawaii.
+About Ultimate Sailing
Sailing is a magnificent, colorful and dramatic sport. This unique sport has many variables with the constantly changing elements, sea conditions, boats, events, competitors and locations. The challenge is to capture on film electrifying moments that take your breath away. Those moments and opportunities are very few, but when they happen... it is ultimate sailing." ~ Sharon Green
Sharon Green has been capturing electrifying images of performance sailing for more than 40 years. Her annual Ultimate Sailing Calendar, featuring the highlights of competitive sailing, is eagerly anticipated by yachting and photography enthusiasts worldwide. Sharon has been published in major boating publications, both locally and internationally, since she first took up a camera while still in high school.
The pursuit of 'Ultimate Sailing' images never seems to grow old. Four decades and I still love the challenge of creating memorable images for my clients and the calendar."
Sharon is happiest when she is on the water or hanging from a helicopter in search of the elusive image that can be called 'Ultimate Sailing'. "My greatest satisfaction is when it all comes together: the anticipation, planning, organizing, traveling and epic conditions that combine to create a thrilling photograph.
The passage of time eludes our grasp: we can only look back in awe and look forward in anticipation. Never did I expect, 40 years ago, that my vision of creating the Ultimate Sailing Calendar would endure and provide such an extraordinary life experience. boundless advancements in sailing, and concurrently radical developments in camera and photographic technology, have kept me on my toes and the years have swept by! I find myself at this landmark anniversary: humbled by your patronage and inspired by your support. To my many friends, colleagues, clients, and subjects who have sustained and fueled this endless passion for capturing the ultimate Sailing image, I extend my deepest love and gratitude.
View the images by clicking the 40th button
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