There are some sailing stalwarts who need to be applauded for their passion for the waters and the achievements they have made through a lifetime of sailing. One such name is that of Hap Fauth who is a Maxi 72 world champion. He was interviewed recently for sailing magazines where the secret behind his success and that of his team were discussed.
Hap Fauth was in love with sail boats and races at the age of seven as he confesses even today. He was a native of the Great South Bay area of the Long Island region. Today he is 71 years of age, but his enthusiasm and passion continue to drive him along. He runs a successful business including Greece Yacht Charter, which is akin to an empire and he is still captivated by his passion for the sport.
The races that he takes part in are bigger boats than the Penguins or the Beetle Cats with which he started to race initially at the Babylon Yacht Club. It definitely has been a turning point which decided his life’s career and passion. September of this year saw him and his nineteen member crew being aboard the Maxi 72 Bella Mente, which led to their victory in the world championship event that took place at Porto Cervo in Italy.
Fauth at his old age is still adept enough to steer his boat though there is a line of pro sailors who belong to his team and are more than willing to take up the task. He has able sailors and technicians like Mike Sanderson and Terry Hutchinson, who help his team to perform at world standard levels and gain victory in most championship events that they participate in. Hap Fauth takes part in several regattas that are held in Europe as well as in the USA.