Spirit of Canada qualified

Open 60 skipper Derek Hatfield says he is still attempting to raise funds to compete in the Vendee Globe

We did it! By finishing the Transat Ecover BtoB race just before Christmas, Spirit of Canada has a confirmed spot at the start of the 2008 Vendée Globe. Then just last month, all the documentation and official medical training was completed and filed with the Vendee Globe race committee and our official race position #15 was issued by the organizers.

This non-stop, single handed around the world race is open to only 30 skippers. Qualifying both boat and skipper for the Vendée is rigorous. We are glad to have this accomplishment safely in our wake. For your part in making all this possible, I thank you.

The Spirit of Canada Open 60 is now on Lake Ontario so that those who have so loyally supported us can visit Canada's fastest sailboat. I am really looking forward to showing everyone around Canada's first Open 60. I know everyone will be thrilled. The boat is world class! We are conducting a number of guest sailing sessions and there are a number of positions available, so please contact us to go sailing on Canada's first Open 60.

Getting this far without a major corporate sponsor has been a challenge. I won't deny that there have been more than a few tough months, but because of the over 5,200 Canadians who have collectively donated more than 2 million dollars in cash, equipment, and services, most of the large expenses are behind us. We are, however, still short of what we need to get to the start line.

Spending in the typical "Canadian frugal way", our budget to get us to the start line is $290,000. To make Spirit of Canada both faster and more capable of handling the stresses of the southern ocean, an additional $200,000 of boat improvements would be ideal. Some of the competing boats have budgets that are three and even four times the
size of ours.

I am continuously overwhelmed by the faith that people have in Spirit of Canada. I feel honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to represent Canada on the world stage and at the same time motivate others - especially youth - to be the best that they can be.

I need your help in securing the budget to make it to the start line.
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You can do this in two ways; by upgrading your AroundTogether team member donation level or, if you have not had a chance to put your name on the hull, now is the time!

If youre able to help, we have created a personalized special edition poster that honours those that help out. If you would like to donate online, please go to the following link at the Spirit of Canada website, call 647-288-7342. Donations can be mailed to Spirit of Canada, Box 39506 Lakeshore Cawthra PO., Mississauga, Ontario. L5E 4S6.

I want to thank you in advance for your continued support of Spirit of Canada. With your help, we will make Canada proud in the Vendée Globe 2008.

Take care,

Derek