Spirit of Canada Launched
Tuesday, 03 October 2006
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Image © Derek Hatfield
A major milestone was reached on September 9th 2006 as the new Open 60 Spirit of Canada was launched at Cobourg, Ontario. If the size of the crowd is any indication of the interest in singlehanded ocean racing, then this part of the sport of sailing is alive and well in Canada. Estimations vary, but it is suggested that as many as 1000 people crowded the main pier at Heritage Harbor in Cobourg to help launch the new Spirit of Canada, the first Open 60 built in Canada. Derek Hatfield, Skipper was savoring the moment, “This is a very important day for the Team, Partners and Supporters of our campaign to be the first Canadian Open 60 to compete in the Vendee Globe 2008. The Vendee Globe starting on November 9th, 2008 is the most extreme yacht race in the world—around the world, singlehanded, non-stop and without assistance. The race is considered the ultimate challenge for singlehanded ocean racers. The new Owen Clarke Open 60 is perfect in every way and there have been no compromises with the build. I am very proud of the fact that we have been able to build the new Spirit of Canada here in Canada. It has been a long and stress full period but the team accomplished the job with perfection. The boat will be taken to Port Credit Yacht Club where it will spend the upcoming winter months undergoing the finishing touches, e.g. mounting the keel, hydraulics, electronics package and mast components. Spirit of Canada will be officially launched in April 2007 and immediately undergo testing for the IMOCA class certification. The 2007 IMOCA Open 60 racing schedule for Spirit of Canada is currently being finalized. The full schedule includes The Barcelona World Race, The Transat Jacques Vabre, The Calais Round Britian Race and The Rolex Fastnet Race. About Derek Hatfield and Spirit of Canada Derek Hatfield was the 2003 Canadian Rolex Sailor of the Year and is the 126th person in history to finish a single-handed race around the world. Competing in the Open 40 "Spirit of Canada," he finished in 3rd place overall in Class II in the 2002/03 Around Alone race, despite a life threatening and catastrophic capsize near Cape Horn. For more information on the Spirit of Canada story visit: www.spiritofcanada.net

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