Bella Mente Racing wrapped up its four-day practice session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this morning. The team, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, focused a majority of the time tuning the rig and doing sail checks in preparation for its 2015 Campaign. 

Bella Mente Racing off Fort Lauderdale during this week’s practice session (Photo Credit: Bella Mente/Kirsten Ferguson)

“We have a bunch of new systems in place,” said Bella Mente Racing’s tactician Terry Hutchinson adding that the Maxi72 has a new Southern Spars rig and some new Quantum Stratis sails. “This week was about not only practicing with the team, but also understanding our equipment onboard and developing confidence in it. Three days ago, we sailed down the Gulf Stream, from Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, in 20 knots of breeze which was a really great test of everything, especially the mast.” 

Tactician Terry Hutchinson taking Bella Mente on a “code zero” reach from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale (Video Credit: Bella Mente/Rob Ouellette)

The team also welcomed eight new sailors to the crew, and used practice to get acquainted. “Our expectations are high going into 2015,” added Hutchinson. “I am not yet sure what our outcome will be, because we have so many new moving pieces, but I am confident that we have very good people with us that are committed to Bella Mente’s cause. Having everyone pointed in the same direction and working hard to get there, that in itself is worth its weight in gold.” 

Bella Mente Racing during today’s light wind sea trials (Photo Credit: Bella Mente/Kirsten Ferguson)

After the holidays, the team will head to Key West to kick off its 2015 campaign at Quantum Key West Race Week. 

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