COSTA SMERALDA, SARDINIA, ITALY (September 9, 2023) – Eight teams competed in the Maxi B Division at the 33rd edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, held in Porto Cervo, Italy, September 3-9. The Maxi B Division was comprised of five Maxi 72-77s, the 82ft Django HF and two VO65s.
Hap Fauth is a previous three time Rolex Mini Maxi/Maxi 72 World Championship winner, a title last won in 2016 and now regained in 2023. The current Bella Mente raced in 2019, but it was on this fourth attempt this year, with the latest updates of his 74ft maxi that Bella Mente returned to glory, with a three point lead of George Sakellaris’ Proteus and six points of Peter Harrison’s Pepe Cannonball.
“Our boat had great speed – the phenomenal boat compensated for my age!” said Fauth. “We come to this event every year and we work hard at it – it is the pinnacle of our season. The hospitality is fantastic and the sailing conditions are usually the best. I will keep coming for as long as I am above the ground! I have a great crew including Terry Hutchinson, Mike Sanderson, Adrian Stead, and Ian Moore who keep me from making too many mistakes.”
Tactician Terry Hutchinson said the result was vindication of the changes they had made to the boat since finishing third last year. “It was hard – because we felt we had sailed really well and it just wasn’t happening and we needed to figure out how to make it better. All our boat builders who got involved in the upgrades deserve credit. They delivered a nice reliable boat to us.”
Fauth added: “Once again, all systems are go for a fresh new 2024 season in the Med!”
