Day 3: Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship

Bella Mente Racing came out swinging and on top for day three at the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship, crossing the finish line in first for both races, which resulted in third- and second-place finishes (on corrected time) respectively.

Day 3 of the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship (Photo Credit Jesús Renedo)

“The Wind Gods were with us today and we had a steady eight to 13 knots of breeze,” said owner/drive Hap Fauth. “In both races we grabbed the start and physically crossed the finish line ahead of the fleet. It was a rewarding day and the team performed at an exceptionally high level.”

Day 3 of the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship (Photo Credit Jesús Renedo)

After a short postponement onshore, due to morning showers and thunderstorms, Race 4 began at 2:30 p.m., but shifty wind conditions forced the Race Committee to change the course direction mid-race on each of the four 1.5 mile legs. By Race 5, the breeze had kicked up a bit and Bella Mente delivered another stellar start and stayed ahead of the fleet at each mark rounding and through to the finish.

“Everyone performed at their best today,” said Bella Mente Racing’s tactician Terry Hutchinson. “All the components that it takes to win races – starts, helming, execution and tactics – came together and Hap did a great job concentrating on keeping the boat going fast. All the effort showed in the results.”