Not over yet

As Around Alone straggler Derek Hatfield closes on Newport

Strong headwinds have been impeding the progress of the Open 40 Spirit of Canada across the Gulf Stream. However, with only 247 miles to go until Canadian skipper Derek Hatfield crosses the finish line at Castle Hill, he has come out of the current and is reaching in southwesterlies again making a beeline to Newport, RI.

Hatfield’s penultimate night at sea on Spirit of Canada saw some of the most atrocious sailing conditions in the whole race, as he told in his latest log: "Last night I watched as the barometer dropped like a stone to 1006 and what that has produced is some of the worst sailing conditions. The wind is against current here in the Gulf Stream and though the boat speed is 10 knots the speed over the ground is a dismal 4 knots. When these conditions come together the ride gets very uncomfortable the boat just pounds over the back of square waves which makes eating and sleeping very difficult, it's almost like being inside a washing machine. I have run out of meal replacement drinks, which makes it difficult to keep up the calories, it's a big effort right now to prepare a meal. I'm looking forward to seeing the Newport Bridge!"

Spirit of Canada is still ranked and providing the boat crosses the line, Hatfield is set to take third place overall in Class 2. Fellow competitors Brad van Liew, Bruce Schwab, Tim Kent and Alan Paris are intending to come back to see their friend, as well as his family and a host of Canadian and local supporters.

1. Spirit of Canada 32 44N 069 01W, 10.2 kt, 302 °T, 247 nm