Cape Breton entry in the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race

Cape Breton Island the Canadian entry in the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race; a ten months, 56,300-km ocean race involving 400 sailors.The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race started 13 September 2009 with 10 open 20-metre yachts embarked on a circumnavigation of the globe. They will return to the United Kingdom in July 2010. www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Andy Lepiarczyk completes Solo Around-the-world Voyage

Andy Lepiarczyk, in his nine-metre (30') Figaro Beneteau sailboat the "Mighty Chicken", is back in West Vancouver after sailing around the world in 13 months.
vancouversun.com...

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]

Canadian Sailor enters SolOceans Race

Phil Paxton has officially announced he will enter the first ever SolOceans® solo around-the-world sailing competition. The race will begin on October 25, 2009 and feature competitors from around the world. What makes the SolOceans race unique is that all competitors race using Veolia Oceans® one-design Bostik 16-metre sailboats with identical sails and equipment. Paxton is currently seeking sponsors, including a title sponsor to name the boat.

Phil Paxton has made several solo oceanic voyages starting in 1979. He's crossed every ocean at least once, and spent two years cruising the South Pacific with his family. This will be the first time Paxton has attempted to sail solo around the world – a venture requiring skill and endurance. Paxton just sailed from France to New York aboard the first boat built for the race, identical to the vessel he will be sailing.
[www.soloceans.com | www.globalsails.ca]

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.

Canadian attempts Circumnavigation Record

Glenn Wakefield is attempting to become the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world westward from North America. He departed Victoria on September 23, 2007, and expects to return by July 2008. At last report, Glenn was in the Southern Ocean near Australia heading to Cape Horn.

His 12-metre yacht "Kim Chow" is a Rhodes designed Cheoy Lee Offshore 40' sloop built in 1969, and refitted extensively for the voyage. He is reported sailing west in the Southern Ocean near Australia. Sailing west in the "Roaring 40's" against prevailing winds and currents is much more difficult than sailing east. [kimchowaroundtheworld.com]

April 2008 update: Glen has ended his voyage after his sloop was damaged when it rolled over in a storm off the Falkland Islands. He suffered a concussion in the event and was picked up by an Argentinian naval vessel, who stood by 48 hours before they could safely transfer him to their ship.