– July 21st 2022
After winning the 168th New York Yacht Club’s Annual Regatta in June, Bella Mente Racing stayed true to fine form and punctuated July with a victory at New York Yacht Club Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex. The biennial race week, in its 13th edition, offered up spectacular sailing conditions and a variety of courses both “inside” on Narragansett Bay and “outside” on Rhode Island Sound.
“What made the regatta great was having Hap back onboard with his team,” said Bella Mente’s tactician Terry Hutchinson, explaining that Mike Sanderson stepped in to drive for owner/driver Hap Fauth at Annual Regatta. “He brings real energy to the program through his leadership and experience.
“We did three races outside the first day; one race up the Bay in flat water the next day; Around Conanicut Island the third day; and three races again inside the Bay the fourth day,” said Hutchinson. “Our basic approach was to put emphasis every time on winning the first cross on the first leg. It makes it a whole lot easier for the rest of the race, especially when you are match racing a team like Vesper.”
“We’re starting to find out Bella Mente’s capabilities!” said Fauth, who launched his Botin Partners-designed 72-footer in late 2018 and experienced setbacks to his team’s racing schedule, as many did, during the Covid-19 pandemic. “It’s a new boat in many ways, and this week was a learning experience for our crew, so we are looking forward to the World Championships for more competition.”
The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, serving as the Maxi Worlds, will be held in Port Cervo, Sardinia, Italy, September 2-10, 2022.
For more information, visit bellamenteracing.com
