Bella Mente Racing has kicked off its European race circuit on the right foot, winning IRC Class 1 in the Royal Yacht Squadron Bicentenary International Regatta, which wrapped up today on the Solent off Cowes, Isle of Wight.
(Photo Credit: Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com)
Owner/Driver Hap Fauth:
We had an amazing week. We experienced a range of challenging conditions; from breeze below five knots to gale-force winds. However, the team ultimately prevailed and won the regatta; the crew did a fantastic job as did our afterguard.
Tactician Terry Hutchinson:
This was a solid start to our European season. Today’s race was an example of great team effort all around.
Hap nailed the downwind start, and Bella crossed the fleet on port. The wind gods were a bit weak on the water today, but Bella was still able to build a large lead on the fleet throughout the course. With nine miles left in the race, we were leading the IRC 1 class, free and clear of Rambler and Leopard, yet the final run to the finish would still determine the overall outcome. At this point, we were sailing against the tide in a light westerly, which was not a lot of fun. We knew that at a certain point the sea breeze would fill in and it did, bringing the entire fleet back into the race and erasing any chance of a win, and our 90-minute lead on TP52 Gladiator dwindled down to a mere 22 minutes.
In less than two weeks, the team kicks off Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (August 11-15), followed the 603-mile Rolex Fastnet Race (August 16). Bella Mente will conclude its 2015 campaign in Sardinia with the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September 6-12).
Jay Rettaliata says
Good job, Team Bella Mente.
Keep it going all the way through the Rolex World Championship.