Sorrento, Italy – May 22, 2025 – Bella Mente, the American 74-ft Maxi, owned by Hap Fauth, made a bold statement on the opening of the event by winning the Regata dei Tre Golfi by an extraordinary 43 minutes and 47 seconds—a victory that secured both line honors in the Maxi Grand Prix division and the overall win in the Maxi class. It was a resounding start and a fitting celebration of Fauth’s 80th birthday.
The momentum continued on Day Two, as the fleet tackled a complex coastal course that wove through the iconic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast and around Capri. Challenging wind shifts and local weather effects made for a volatile race that briefly allowed several of the smaller Maxis to shine. Bella Mente, under the expert tactical direction of Terry Hutchinson, mounted an impressive recovery to claim victory and recapture the championship lead. Hutchinson reflected: “The first half was a bit frustrating—we had a great start, but the breeze shifted dramatically. We made a solid comeback at Punta Campanella, anticipating the stop-start action around Capri. We wriggled through it well, and credit to Proteus as well for handling the transition zones efficiently.”
Day Three saw the team deliver one of the boldest tactical plays of the week. In the opening race, Bella Mente executed a daring port-tack start, crossing cleanly ahead of the fleet—a maneuver rarely seen, let alone successfully executed, in a 74-ft Maxi. The move set the tone for another day of stellar performance from the defending champions.
With consistent top-tier performances throughout the Tre Golfi Sailing Week, Bella Mente has reclaimed the title in the 2025 IMA Maxi European Championship. Hap Fauth: “Luck beats early rising but talent trumps all. Congrats to the Bella Team who sailed a flawless series!”
