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Bella Mente Racing is Back in Sorrento to Defend the IMA Maxi European Championship

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Sorrento, Italy – May 12, 2025 — Bella Mente Racing is set to compete in the upcoming 2025 IMA Maxi European Championship, with the 70th edition of the historic Tre Golfi Sailing Week in Sorrento, Italy. As one of the premier events on the international sailing calendar, the regatta brings together top-tier maxi yachts for a week of tactical racing and seamanship.

The event runs from May 16–22 and includes a 150-nautical-mile offshore race starting in Naples. The race follows a route through the three gulfs of Naples, Gaeta, and Salerno, rounding islands like Ischia, Ponza, and Li Galli before finishing in Sorrento. The offshore challenge is followed by four days of inshore racing.

Bella Mente is back to defend the championship with a focused crew and a deep commitment to competitive excellence. With a history of strong performances and a reputation for technical precision, the team is looking forward to the challenges of this year’s course and the high level of competition.

“We always enjoy sailing in Sorrento,” said owner and helmsman Hap Fauth. “It’s a stunning venue and a demanding event, both in terms of navigation and strategy. The team has worked hard in preparation, and we’re looking forward to getting out on the water.”

Follow the Team and the Regatta

Nightly race reports from Bella Mente will be posted on the website during racing. For more updates during practice and the regatta, follow the team on Facebook and Instagram, Hashtag: #bellamenteracing45

For event updates visit IMA Maxi European Championship and follow the regatta via social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Bella Mente First to Finish & Breaks Nassau Cup Record

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS (February 21, 2025) – Bella Mente Racing secured an impressive victory in the 2025 Nassau Cup Ocean Race, finishing first and breaking the previous race record. The team covered the 177.7-nautical-mile course from Miami to Nassau in 9 hours, 20 minutes, and 49 seconds, averaging just over 19 knots across the Gulf Stream.

The race presented significant challenges, with a forecasted rough sea state in the Gulf Stream adding an element of uncertainty. However, Bella Mente’s high-performance, water-ballasted, twin-rudder boat thrived in the conditions.

“To say we were a little nervous about how our ‘inshore rocket’ would handle the conditions was an understatement,” said Mike Sanderson, Bella Mente afterguard. “We knew she would be quick, but ‘managing the asset’ was a key focus. In the end, it turned into a dream run—fast, wet, and exhilarating. When you’re racing to the Bahamas in warm waters, it’s pretty special.”

Tactician Terry Hutchinson praised the preparation and execution of the campaign: “A great race to Nassau with Bella Mente breaking the 2013 record. The shore team deserves the MVP award for this race—anytime you cross the Gulf Stream, reliability is crucial to success. Over 176 miles, our preparation was put to the test, and the team delivered. The sailors enjoyed a fast ride and were rewarded with a record and a podium finish. Congratulations to Marty Roesch and the team on Velocity for a well-sailed race.”

Bella Mente during and after the 2025 Nassau Cup
(Photo Credit: James Lyne & Rob Ouellette/ Bella Mente Racing) 

With the Nassau Cup complete, Bella Mente will now shift focus to Europe, where the team will prepare to defend their European Championship in Sorrento, Italy.

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Bella Mente Sets Sail: Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race and the Spirit of the Southern Ocean Racing Conference

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The Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race has a rich history and a sense of adventure tied to it—no wonder it’s become one of the premier events on the sailing calendar! It’s fascinating how a casual delivery run turned into such a celebrated competition, complete with legendary stops on Duval Street.

Best of luck to the Bella Mente crew on Thursday, January 9, 2025—may they sail fast and enjoy the rewards at the finish line!

Hap Fauth is back at the helm for the 68th Annual Wirth M. Munroe Ocean Race!

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Good luck to Hap and all competitors on Friday, December 6, 2024! This historic regatta, first sailed in 1957, is one of the oldest in North America and part of the prestigious Islands in the Stream series. Known as the “Race to the Buffet,” it challenges sailors with the Gulf Stream’s twists and early winter weather along Florida’s coast. From ocean racing machines to coastal cruisers, the race draws a diverse fleet to the two-course format, wrapping up with the legendary seafood feast at the Sailfish Club of Florida.

Follow the Team and the Regatta

Final race report from Bella Mente will be posted on the website following the race. For more updates during practice and the regatta, follow the team on Facebook and Instagram, Hashtag: #BellaMenteRacing2024

For event updates visit Wirth M Munroe Race and follow the regatta via social media on Facebook.

Bella Mente has been crowned IMA’s Maxi European Champion

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Owner and helmsman Hap Fauth reflected on the journey, stating: “Today marked the culmination of some insightful changes in Bella Mente’s internal design. She’s finally starting to reach her potential after five years. It’s truly rewarding for the crew and her owner. We’re looking forward to our next adventure in the SORC regatta!”

Bella Mente to Compete in Maxi Class at NYYC ORC World Championship

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Bella Mente will participate in the NYYC ORC World Championship on Narragansett Bay from October 1-5, 2024. The 5-day event will feature four inshore races and one short offshore race, ringing together top talent in the Maxi Class. It is the first time in two decades this race has been run.

Stay tuned for nightly race reports as Bella Mente competes against Vesper and Temptation/Oakcliff in this highly anticipated regatta.

Follow the Team and the Regatta

Nightly race reports from Bella Mente will be posted on the website during racing. For more updates during practice and the regatta, follow the team on Facebook and Instagram, Hashtag: #BellaMenteRacing2024

To track the races: https://www.tractrac.com/event-page/event_20240927_ORCWorldCh/

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.

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