– May 23rd 2024

H
ap Fauth, tactician Terry Hutchinson and the all-star cast of the Maxi 74 Bella Mente today claimed the third edition of the International Maxi Association Maxi European Championship, held out of Sorrento.

“She has legs is all I can say,” said a beaming Fauth. “We got an unbelievably good start – there was a lot of congestion but we found a hole and were gone.” Latest of the former Maxi 72s, Bella Mente is five years old but has undergone constant evolution and now sports twin rudders, water ballast and a powerboat-style interceptor on her transom. “We had speed against all of the 100 footers,” continued Fauth. “The venue is great and the event was terrific – I am so glad that they got a race off today even if it required patience for everyone, participants and committee.”

At the prizegiving Fauth was also awarded the prize for finishing top IMA member.

Tactician Terry Hutchinson commented of their victory: “From the shore team through to Hap everyone gave their best. It is really good racing with the other 72 to 77s. Coach James [Lyne] had been on us about not starting close enough to the line – just time and distance. We haven’t properly raced since the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, so it takes a little time to get back into it.”

Photo: Studio Carlo Borlenghi