Bella Mente Racing went into day two of Quantum Key West Race Week with guns blazing and wrapped up both IRC 1 races with bullets. The team, led by owner/driver Hap Fauth, holds the lead going into tomorrow.
Owner Hap Fauth at the helm during day two of Quantum Key West Race Week 2014 (Photo Credit: Sharon Green/UltimateSailing.com)
“Our starts were on target,” said Fauth adding that the fleet experienced some light shifty conditions today (around nine knots). “The crew work was impeccable. Our tactician Terry [Hutchinson] did a great job calling the shifts, and crew boss Moose [Mike Sanderson] was a star downwind. All and all, it was a great day on the water.”
Hutchinson, current Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, added, “it was a solid day but very hard fought. Shockwave sailed very well and kept the pressure on Bella Mente in both races. Though we finished with two firsts, the other two boats in our class weren’t far behind, and we haven’t even hit the halfway point of the regatta so we need to stay focused. There is still a lot of work ahead.”
Bella Mente during day two of Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 (Photo Credit: Steve Lapkin)
Hutchinson added that the team was happy with Bella Mente’s speed in light air.
“We have new mast, new trimmers, and new gear, all of which are interacting well. However, we are still only scratching the surface,” said Hutchinson. “I think Pete [Henderson] summed it up best when he described the adjustments in the new mast by saying ‘we are just beginning to learn the gears we have and still have a lot of work to do.’”
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