After finishing today with two third place finishes, Bella Mente Racing took second overall in IRC 0 for the 33 Copa del Rey MAPFRE. Next up for the sailing team of 20, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, is the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship in September.

Photo Credit: Jesus Renedo

“After waiting around for the breeze today, the race didn’t pan out for the mighty Bella Mente,” said Mike Sanderson who joins Fauth and John Cutler in the afterguard. “Most of the time our aim wasn’t to win the start, but to make sure that we didn’t lose it. Although that tactic didn’t pan out today, John Cutler did a nice job to make sure that we were still in the game, and Hap had the boat smoking downwind.

Photo Credit: Jesus Renedo

“It was an amazing regatta, right down to the wire. Peter Henderson, Rob Ouellette and the Bella Mente Shore Crew deserve a huge thank you, as does our fearless leader Hap. We had our moments during this regatta, but the great news is that we are on the right pace. I certainly wouldn’t swap with any other boat going into the Mini Maxi Rolex Worlds. Bring it on!”

It is getting down to the wire for Bella Mente Racing as they head into the sixth and final day of racing at the 33 Copa del Rey MAPFRE, just one point behind IRC 0 class leader Shockwave. The team completed two windward/leeward races today with second- and third-place finishes, respectively. 

Photo Credit: Jesus Renedo

“It was an outstanding race day,” said owner/driver Hap Fauth. “The entire team really shined in both races, and John Cutler did a fantastic job in the shifty conditions, which kept us in the hunt.”

Photo Credit: Jesus Renedo

Cutler, who joins Fauth in the afterguard, added that today marked the windiest day of the regatta with breezes from 14 to 15 knots. “The top four boats in our class are close enough so that whoever has the final good day (tomorrow) will win the regatta.”