Derek Hatfield qualifies for Round the World Race

Canadian sailor Derek Hatfield officially qualified to enter the Vendee Globe 2008 singlehanded non-stop race around the world by completing the qualifier race, Transat Ecover B2B, from Brazil to France. His Canadian-built Open 60, Spirit of Canada will carry the official race number; #15. Hatfield is the only Canadian in the race and will be the first Canadian team to attempt the race. The Vendee Globe, is a single-handed yacht race, non-stop eastward around the world via the southern oceans, starting in France in November 2008.

Hatfield is currently sailing the boat back to Canada to work on it and raise the additional money required for the venture. He has raised funds through corporate donations and his "Around Together" campaign that puts small donors' names on the hull for a small donation. He has raised $1,600,000 from 5200 small donations, but needs to raise much more before the start of the race.