Winning is Everything.
We won, and we don’t see a problem with that. Back in 1949 at the inaugural Centomiglia del Lario—the storied powerboat race on Lake Como—winning was the only thing on everyone’s minds. What was the race created for if not to create a champion?
The race was held year after year, and the benefits of winning became abundantly clear. Winning came with glory, yes, but it also functioned as the most effective form of advertising. Whoever produced the boat that was first across the line was instantly renowned and became the go-to builder. As time passed, the world around Lake Como changed. But the Centomiglia did not—it was run every year without fail, and its importance never waned.
This year was no exception, with the race’s 72nd annual edition taking place as it has for decades and decades. Since its first iteration though, winning, depending on your perspective, has fallen out of fashion. Competition is ruthless by nature, and being friendly will get you nowhere. Prevailing thought says that this notion is improper and uncouth. We say that it’s human nature.
Véhicule Racing Team took the title at this year’s Centomiglia. We are proud of that. It was hard-fought, and we were rewarded as world champions accordingly. An award was given to teams who also participated in the historic Raid Pavia-Venezia. With the most points in class, we won that too.
Winning is a tradition. Perhaps it’s the oldest tradition we have. It is a visceral, innate drive—something that does not need to be taught, but rather lies deep within. Winning is an instinct, but it is not a privilege that simplz anyone is entitled to. It has to be worked for. Like any master of a craft, one who has conquered the art of competition is well within their rights to look back on what they have achieved in satisfaction, admiring the spoils of their labor. And so if you don’t mind, that’s just what we’ll do.
In our world, losing starts with second place. Life is war.
Read all about the history of offshore powerboat racing in VÉHICULE.
Photos by Christophe Duchesne
