Canadian Derek Hatfield standing 2nd in Velux 5 Oceans

Derek Hatfield is now tied for 2nd in the overall points heading into the final leg of the Velux 5 Oceans single-handed around-the-world sailing race. In sprint 4 he won the speed gate and came in 2nd. Sprint 5 from Charleston SC to France is 3,600-nautical miles and starts Saturday, May 14. Dekek's site is spiritofcanada.org. You can also follow news via Facebook, Twitter (@Velux5oceans) and the sponsor site Activehouse.info.

Canadian Derek Hatfield racing well in Velux 5 Oceans

Derek Hatfield, currently running a close 3rd in the Velux 5 Oceans race. The sailors have reached the Tasman Sea in the second sprint from South Africa to New Zealand, but they still have about 1000 miles to go, with a choice of routes to be made. You can view the boats on the Raceviewer and listen to his latest voice recording. Dekek's site is spiritofcanada.org. You can also follow news via Facebook, Twitter (@Velux5oceans) and the sponsor site Activehouse.info.

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

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 to enter Atlantic Rowing Race

On Dec. 2, Paul Attalla, 36, from Fernie, B.C., will be the first Canadian to enter the Atlantic Rowing Race. He will attempt to row 5,500 kilometres (3400 mi) from the Canary Islands across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua on a custom 24-foot boat "The Spirit of Fernie" - alone, with no motor or sails. He is one of only five solo entries (20 entrants are pairs and fours). The race, expected to take about 100 days, is known as one of the toughest endurance tests in the world. [www.solotheatlantic.com]