Around Alone stops and dates

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston confirms the route of this year's singlehanded round the world race

Harry Mitchell Trophy for Open 40 class

Harry Mitchell, the charismatic 70 year old British entrant in the 1994-95 BOC Challenge (the former incarnation of Around Alone) was tragically lost at sea during that event with his boat Henry Hornblower as they were crossing the Pacific section of the Southern Ocean.

Henry Hornblower was a modified production 40 footer, the precursor to the new generation of Open 40 class boats of today and in Harry's memory the new trophy will be awarded for the Open 40 class winner in Around Alone's class II.

Derek Hatfield, entered in his Open 40 Spirit of Canada, was both moved and inspired by Harry's story and for what he achieved for the class. Hatfield planted the seed with Dr. Ivan Slezik for the idea of a trophy to honour Harry's commitment to the round the world race. Slezik, a fellow solo competitor and friend of Harry's has since commissioned the design and created the Harry Mitchell Trophy.

This trophy represents Harry Mitchell's determination to participate in and complete the BOC Challenge/Around Alone. For both of these Canadian singlehanders, Harry Mitchell embodies the very spirit of the race. The trophy will incorporate the prized gold earring in recognition of sailors rounding Cape Horn that Harry so sought-after but sadly never earned. It will also include his official logo, his daughter's depiction of King Neptune blowing a horn, for which Harry was so well known.