Their names are Bella Mente, Jethou, Momo, and Proteus (ex Shockwave)… One of the most exciting Maxi fleet, the new Maxi 72 Class, will certainly provide an eye-catching spectacle racing in the warm waters of the Caribbean. One is familiar sight in Saint Barth: the Maxi Bella Mente, owned by American Hap Fauth, who has already sailed in Les Voiles de St. Barth twice, and recently excelled in Porto Cervo at the head of the Maxi 72 Class.
The others are making their first appearance this year: Jethou, whose British owner is Sir Peter Ogde; Momo, launched in the spring of 2015; and Proteus, whose owner George Sakellaris is a regular visitor to Saint Barth, having sailed in the St Barth Bucket Regatta on his second sailboat, Axia.
The Maxi 72 Class will certainly be in the spotlight this year. Already considered the quintessence of coastal racing, these boats are distinguished by similar dimensions and design by Judel Vrolijk, as well as the desire to do battle with equal weapons at several key regattas.
“A number of exceptional events await us next year, in some of the most beautiful places in the world,” explains Rob Weiland, manager of the Maxi 72 Class. “The schedule for the Maxis is one of the best we have ever had. Four to five boats at Key West Race Week, the Rorc 600, in Virgin Gorda, at Les Voiles de St. Barth, and in Newport… And three to four boats in the Bermuda race before participating in the Copa del Rey and the Maxi 72 Worlds.”
