(Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi)
Hap Fauth, with his team of 26 world-class sailors, steered Maxi 72 Bella Mente to a win today in the 2015 Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship, reclaiming the title he last held in 2012. The annual regatta is a pinnacle one on the team’s racing calendar, as it attracts the best competition in the Maxi 72 Class for five days of racing off Porto Cervo, Sardinia. The prestigious event complements stellar results the team has seen in the other five regattas in which it has competed in this year.
Going into the last day of racing today, the team held the overall lead, but the title of world champion was still anyone’s game, with Robertissima III only one point behind in second. After first and third place finishes in the event’s two windward leeward races, the team secured the overall win.
“The final day of a regatta is always one of mental toughness and today the team prevailed with stellar results,” said 2014 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, Terry Hutchinson, who calls tactics onboard. “This is a very special win for the team, and for me personally, as Hap demonstrated great trust in his people. It is awesome to see a plan executed successfully and a great win for a great owner.”
Mike Sanderson added, “What a day, what a week. We came into this year’s Rolex Maxi 72 Worlds feeling very prepared, having put in lots of hard work, and to win today is a fantastic feeling. When you have done this much work and expectations are high it was almost a relief when we crossed the line for third place in that last race, which was enough to secure the overall win.”
For regular team updates, follow Bella Mente Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click here for full class updates from the International Maxi Association
Jay Rettaliata says
Congratulations Hap Fauth and the World Championship Bella Mente team on a job well done.
Thomas Giebelhausen says
Like that kind of sailing!
Please join us at facebook “Big Boat Sailing” (adress above).
Thanks so much.
And see you 2016 at Porto Cervo.
Thomas