For the 5th edition, Les Voiles de St. Barth is proud to announce Bella Mente’s participation in the MAXI class. The 72 feet long Mini Maxi, owned by the American Hap Faulth has just completed a very successful season in the MED.
Launched in Spring 2012, this all carbon sailboat was designed by Judel/vrolijk & Co Yachtdesign and built by the boatyards, New England Boatworks. This is the second Bella Mente ordered by Hap Fauth who wants to develop a highly competitive generation of sailboats in the IRC Mini-Maxi class.
The crew, smartly selected by Mr Fauth, is composed of 26 sailors including tactician Dee Smith, an America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veteran who has raced on winning boats for six world championships and a Tour de France à la Voile, and Mike Sanderson, a two-time winner of the Volvo Ocean Race who has held numerous World Record and who was elected ISAF World Sailor of the year in 2007.
In 2013, Bella Mente has participated in an ambitious racing program, including Quantum Key West (where they took the 2nd place in the IRC Class), the RORC Caribbean 600 and one of the most prestigious races in Europe.
They’re eagerly expected in April in St Barth, where they will be able to compete with Rambler, Selene and others.
