Since the finish of the VELUX 5 Oceans Race in June, the past couple of months have been put to good use aboard Active House Spirit of Canada. During this period, Derek, together with intrepid sponsors aboard, have completed two offshore training sessions to Bermuda and back. Both trips were deemed a great success. A third trip ended prematurely back in Lunenburg with the threat of a close encounter with a hurricane that was fast approaching from the south.
The 2011 hurricane season has been extremely active this year and a few, like Irene, have severely threatened the East coast. Active House Spirit of Canada has been taken out of the water and safely placed in its in ground “pit” cradle at East River Marina. The Spirit of Canada shore team is now conducting a mini refit over the next few months so the boat will be ready to go sailing again in May 2012.
Award of Excellence
Last week in Oakville Ontario, the Executive Director for Ontario Sailing presented both Derek Hatfield and VELUX Canada with the 2011/2012 Sailing “Award Of Excellence” for their combined efforts in the VELUX 5 Oceans Race 2010/11. “It is great to be recognized in this manner, as the Canadian competitor in the VELUX 5 Oceans single handed race around the world and it’s great to share this award with our long standing partner VELUX Canada”, says Derek. Shown here in the picture to the right is Derek and Nels Moxness, President of VELUX Canada.
Busy Boat Show and Public Appearances Season
The busy boat show season is approaching and we are preparing a new presentation to utilize during our public appearances. The presentation will document the highlights of the most recent race around the world, the grueling VELUX 5 Oceans aboard the Open/Eco 60 Active House Spirit of Canada as well as stories from the Vendee Globe 2008 and Around Alone 2002. We have some new sailing footage and amazing photos to show as well.
Derek and the team are very interested in doing as many public appearances as possible over the coming months. These appearances are considered the backbone to the success of Spirit of Canada as we prepare our next challenge. If you or someone you know are interested in having Derek and/or Patianne speak at a yacht club, business association or corporate function, please contact us.
Derek and the Spirit of Canada team want to thank you for your continued interest and support and hope that we have a chance to thank everyone in person over the coming winter season.
Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges
Via email: patianne@spiritofcanada.net
Via phone: 902.531.2532