Stormy conditions added more drama to day two of Quantum Key West Race Week, and after an epic battle on the race course Bella Mente Racing came in second place, behind Caol Ila Ron, in IRC A’s only race of the day, putting the team in second overall going into day three.
“The Bella boys did a fantastic job in very tough conditions,” said owner/driver Hap Fauth, adding that the team was first to cross the finish line, but was 10 seconds short of first on corrected time. “It has been excellent racing in the mini maxi fleet and we look forward to what tomorrow will bring.”
The day started after two hours of postponement due to a dramatic wind shift. The race started in 13 knots of breeze and Bella Mente got a clean start at the signal boat. By the time the fleet had made it to the first windward mark, the breeze had died down to nine and a half knots. Bella Mente rounded just behind Shockwave, but caught up on the first downwind leg and passed the team before the leeward mark. A squall hit the racecourse on the second beat, and the fleet experienced heavy winds up to 24 knots. On the second downwind run, Bella Mente held a strong lead, but Shockwave was able to close the gap and narrow the team’s lead. Bella Mente rounded the leeward mark with a 25 second lead on the Shockwave, which then hit its spinnaker sheet on the mark, forcing the team to do a penalty turn. The Bella Mente Racing Team finished the race just short of Caol Ila Ron corrected time.
Keep up to date on Bella Mente Racing at Quantum Key West Race Week by following the team on Facebook and Twitter.
For real time updates, follow the event via livestream at http://premiere-racing.com/QKWLive/
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