It was an on-the-water battle with fellow Maxi 72 Momo at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week today, but Bella Mente Racing prevailed, taking the lead in the final leg of the 18-mile race. The team, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, wrapped up the event with first-place overall in the IRC Big Boat Class.

Terry Hutchinson

The Race Committee decided to combine fleets today, which meant roughly 20 boats on the starting line and in essence more traffic issues, with boats sailing at varying speeds. We got stuck around some small boats prior to the start, but Hap did good work negotiating our way through.  On final approach, Bella Mente was the first of the three Maxi 72s to hoist, and although Momo had a better position on the line, we had better execution of the start.  Unfortunately, roughly one minute from the layline, Momo was able to roll Bella Mente and gain a strong inside position at the first mark rounding.  From here, it was simply a matter of keeping it close and waiting for any opportunity. Bella Mente and Momo traded tacks and gybes for the next 17 miles. It was not until that final mile that an opportunity presented itself and Bella Mente was in a position to take advantage.  We were able to slip past Momo on a starboard port crossing and from there gain control of the race, winning by 40 seconds.

In retrospect, both teams sailed very well. Bella Mente kept asking the question, and Momo kept defending the lead quite well.  Our passing of Momo was a little bit of luck and a little bit of patience; both of which were required to win.  All in all, it was a good event, but there is still plenty of work to do as we move forward.

Mike Sanderson

The team has worked very hard over the last ten months and we’ve seen a lot of new changes, from crew additions to boat updates, such as a new mast, keel and sail program.  With that said, over the past few weeks it’s been exciting to see that the team is working well together and our three-year-old girl Bella Mente has some fast wheels on her.

There is no doubt that the Solent suits her, she has always loved flat water, so we aren’t exactly “shouting from the roof tops” going into the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championships. However, we sure have the hardware and the team to be truly in the hunt. What more can you ask for?

Bella Mente started Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week off on a good note today, winning one of the event’s most prestigious trophies, the Britannia Cup, for fastest average speed on corrected time. The team, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, also took first place in the IRC Big Boat Class for the day.

Bella Mente Wins Cowes Week Britannia Cup (Photo Credit: Rick Tomlinson)

“It was a solid team day today,” said Tactician Terry Hutchinson adding that the team along with the rest of the class took on a 23.6 mile race on the Solent off Cowes, Isle of Wight.  “Hap, Soapy (Ian Moore), and Doogie (Sean Couvreux) nailed the start in a strong windward position with all three mini-maxi’s (Bella Mente, Jethou and Momo) hoisting in unison. Bella slipped out to a narrow lead at the first mark rounding and from there extended.  It was a great race to be in the lead as the track was quite one sided and yet the team was consistent with our maneuvers and set up.  All in all a good day.”

Team Strategist Adrian Stead added, “We had a great day and I am personally delighted because this is now the second time I’ve won it (the Britannia Cup). The racing was great because it was the first time we’ve sailed against Momo and Jethou, so we had three Maxi 72s lined up today. This is all part of our build-up to the Mini Maxi worlds in Sardinia next month.”

The New York Yacht Club Challenge Cup is on the line tomorrow for the event. The team last won the esteemed award at Cowes Week in 2013.

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