AmalfiCoast Costiera Amalfitana

Sorrento, 22 May 2025 - A spectacular finale to the Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025 saw Bella Mente, the Maxi 72 owned by American Hap Fauth and skippered by Terry Hutchinson, crowned IMA Maxi European Champion for the second year in a row. The Gulf of Naples once again delivered a perfect stage for elite racing, blending tactical challenges with iconic coastal scenery.

"This feels incredible," said tactician Terry Hutchinson. "It’s been a tough but rewarding week. We weren’t perfect, but we were always in the fight. The two windward-leeward races were a turning point. All the effort we put in over the winter really showed, especially in the coastal races. Huge credit to Hap for everything he does to make this possible – and how lucky are we to be doing this, here in Sorrento."

Joining Bella Mente on the final podium were Jolt, skippered by Peter Harrison with Michele Ivaldi as tactician, and North Star, owned by Peter Dubens and representing Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, in third.

The final race – a 25-nautical-mile coastal sprint from Sorrento toward the base of Mount Vesuvius and back – offered spectacular conditions. A southwest breeze of 10–14 knots carried the fleet across the bay in fast, exhilarating fashion. Czech sailor Karel Komarek’s V, with Ken Read on tactics, led from the gun to the finish, followed by Galateia (Chris Flowers and David Leuschen) and Bullitt (Andrea Recordati). All three held their positions even on corrected time.

With two wins and a week of consistent form, Bella Mente secured the overall title with a comfortable lead, underlining the continued dominance of the Maxi 72 class in Grand Prix Group 2. The top four places overall were all claimed by Maxi 72s, reinforcing their ideal blend of speed and rating efficiency.

In the Multihull class, there was no doubt: Gaetana, skippered by Riccardo Pavoncelli of CRV Italia, swept all five races to win the IMA Tre Golfi Multihull Trophy with a perfect scoreline.

The Loro Piana Challenge Trophy for best Maxi 1 crew went to Galateia, whose steady performance and sleek sailing stood out among the largest, most technically advanced yachts in the fleet.

"I loved every minute of this," said Lizz Flowers of Galateia, fresh from her first offshore race. "We rotated at the helm during the 13-hour run and crossed the finish line first—it was unforgettable. This event was run beautifully. We’re definitely coming back."

CRV Italia President Roberto Mottola di Amato hailed the regatta as a highlight of the international calendar: "Sorrento gave us the best of world-class sailing. The participation, professionalism, and spirit of competition were extraordinary. Bella Mente was superb, but every team contributed to an unforgettable week. We’re already working toward 2026, where we hope to award a European title for each IMA group to recognize the unique strengths across the categories."

As the curtain falls on the IMA Maxi European Championship, attention now turns to next year’s calendar, which promises even more excitement:

• ORC World Championship: 5–14 May 2026

• IMA Maxi European Championship: 22–27 May 2026

• 71st Regata dei Tre Golfi: the Mediterranean’s classic offshore race sets sail from Naples on 22 May

The Tre Golfi Sailing Week is organized by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia with Yacht Club Italiano, Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, IMA, ORC, FIV, and UVAI, and supported by prestigious partners including Rolex, Loro Piana, North Sails, Wally Yachts, Banca Patrimoni Sella & C., Ferrarelle, Ottogas, Deloitte, Italia Yachts, Le Axidie, Caffè Borbone, Schenker, Miliare, and Consorzio Prosecco DOC.

Bella Mente Shines in Sorrento as Strategy and Scenery Steal the Show