Vendée Globe

The 60’ Open monohull Spirit of Canada was launched in Cobourg, Ontario early in September. Around a thousand people lined up on the quayside in Port Heritage in Cobourg to watch the launch of the new Spirit of Canada take place. She is the first Open 60 monohull built in Canada and has her sights on the 2008 Vendée Globe.

Derek Hatfield is no stranger to the world of ocean racing. He was named Rolex sailor of the year in 2003 for Canada and was the 126th person in history to have completed a round the world race. On board the 40’ monohull « Spirit of Canada », he finished third in Class II in the Around Alone race in 2002-2003, in spite of a difficult experience off Cape Horn, when his boat capsized.

Another 60-footer designed by Owen Clarke

The launch of his boat was a very emotional moment for Derek Hatfield: «It’s a very important day for the team, partners and supporters of our campaign for Spirit of Canada to become the first Canadian monohull to take part in the Vendée Globe in 2008. This new 60’ Open designed by Owen Clarke, is perfect in every way, and there were no compromises in the construction process. The fact that we managed to build this new Spirit of Canada here in Canada fills me with pride. It was a long stressful period, but the team carried out their work to perfection.»
The boat will be transported to Port Credit Yacht Club, where she will spend the winter months being given the final touches, such as the fitting of the keel and the installation of the hydraulic systems, electronics, and mast elements. The Spirit of Canada will officially be launched in April 2007, and her trials will begin immediately so she can pass the IMOCA class certification. The Open 60 race schedule for Spirit of Canada is currently being completed. The boat will take part in the major events in the IMOCA calendar, before lining up for the start of the 2008 Vendée Globe.

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