Today was a good confidence builder for the team. We headed out in 20 knots and a very confused sea just outside. The breeze slowly built to 30 knots over the course of an hour as we sailed upwind to get enough runway to have a good run downwind.
We sailed hard upwind and took a reef as the breeze built to 26 knots. The reefing went smoothly and worked as we hoped.
As we approached the top we brought the A3 up on deck and began connecting it. That was a fun experience as we launched off a few good waves as the breeze built to 30 knots. We bore away, hoisted the A3, unfurled it, and off we went. Plenty of water came over the deck as we punched through some good sized waves. We sailed with this set up for a bit and then furled and sailed with the jib and main with the boat speed sitting at 20-24 knots.
After that, we called it a day and headed in.
About Bella Mente
The original Bella Mente Racing campaign kicked off in 2006 with Key West Race Week, and since then owner and skipper Hap Fauth has had three additional racing yachts in the program.
Launched in September of 2018, the current Bella Mente is a Maxi 72 designed by Botin Partners in Spain and built by New England Boatworks in Rhode Island.
Sponsors
Leave a Reply