It will be a marathon on the water for Bella Mente Racing next week, when it takes on six days (August 4-9) of tough mini maxi competition at the 33rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE. The team arrived in Mallorca, Spain earlier this week and kicked off practice today on the Bay of Palma.
Bella Mente practicing on the Bay of Palma today
“The boat is in pristine condition following her voyage from Bermuda earlier this month,” said Robert Ouellette, Bella Mente Racing’s project manager adding that the team will be practicing up until the event starts on Monday, August 4. “We underwent our annual ‘checkup’ on Tuesday where we weighed Bella Mente and had her measured. We are using the next few days to check the systems onboard, look at the new sails and get back in the groove in terms of onboard crew work.”
Bella Mente practicing on the Bay of Palma today
Earlier this year, the team wrapped up its U.S. and Caribbean Circuit with line honors at the RORC Caribbean 600 (where it outran expected frontrunner, the 90-foot Rambler), the class win at Quantum Key West and first place in IRC Overall at the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta presented by Rolex. The team was also second to cross the finish line in the 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race.
Copa del Rey is one of the largest events on its Mediterranean Racing Calendar, and the team will do battle against many competitors it will see again at the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship in September, including Shockwave, Robertissima III (former RAN), Jethou and Alegre.
“It will be a very competitive event, and we are looking forward to getting a few days of practice under our belt to shake out the cobwebs before racing starts on Monday,” said Ouellette.
Bella Mente earlier this week in Mallorca, Spain
Bella Mente Racing will be doing nightly race reports next week. For more updates, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information on the 33rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE, visit http://bit.ly/ULAhwj
Leave a Reply