Derek Hatfield retires from "The Vendee Globe"

Yesterday, Derek Hatfield had a knock down aboard "Algimouss Spirit of Canada" in the The Vendee Globe race. Derek writes: "... the boat went over and I ended up on the ceiling with all kinds of articles whizzing past me. The boat came upright immediately and the carnage inside was immediate. I rushed on deck and my heart sank to see two of the spreaders dangling limp on the shrouds. The shock hits you quickly that this is not fixable and the end of the race is here already."
At 1527 GMT today Derek Hatfield formally retired from the sixth Vendee Globe, the world's most challenging yacht race. Derek is currently south of Australia, trying to reach Hobart, Tasmania (estimated 8 days). Canada is proud of you, Derek. We send our prayers to you, your team, and family.
vendeeglobe.org :: spiritofcanada.net
Nov.13/08: Derek Hatfield returns for repairs in Round the World Race
Apr.19/08: Derek Hatfield qualifies for Round the World Race

Derek Hatfield returns for repairs in Round the World Race

Derek Hatfield, 56, in "Algimouss Spirit of Canada" began The Vendee Globe race November 9 with 30 other boats. He reported electrical problems after a gale and returned to Les Sables d'Olonne, France for repairs. Race rules allow 10 days to restart. Algimouss came on board as sponsor but Hatfield is still short of funds. Hatfield is the first and only Canadian to attempt this single-handed yacht race, non-stop eastward around the world via the southern oceans (23,680 n.mi.), starting in France. Only 126 sailors have ever circumnavigated alone.
Nov. 15: Derek has restarted 6 days late, currently doing 10 kts with the lead boats 1,000 n.mi. ahead.
Nov. 25: Second last out of 26 boats still in the race, approaching the equator by Africa, 1,487 n.mi. behind leader.
[vendeeglobe.org News | spiritofcanada.net]

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.