A backer for Hatfield

Familiar name returns to support Canadian Vendee Globe entrant

Just four days after arriving in the French port of Les Sables d'Olonne with the Open 60 Spirit of Canada, Derek Hatfield and the Spirit of Canada Team are proud to announce that Algimouss will become the premier branding partner for the Vendee Globe 2008.

Derek Hatfield commented: "We are proud to have found a partner in Algimouss for the Vendee Globe and the race around the world. We have looked long and hard for a branding partner and now all the hard work has paid off. Algimouss is no stranger to sailing sponsorships and have sponsored such renowned sailors as Jean Luc Van den Heed and Raphael Dinelli in single-handed sailing endeavors. Algimouss's positive choice in me and Spirit of Canada confirms that we are truly in the game now and is a huge boost in our confidence for the race."

For the Vendee Globe 2008/09, the Open 60 will be co-branded "Algimouss Spirit of Canada" along with the individuals and companies that have supported the team and contributed thus far. "As the campaign is still not fully funded, we continue to look for other branding partners and will continue taking donations for additional names on the hull right up to the start date here at the race village. Algimouss is very excited about the names on the hull program as the names of all the Algimouss employees will go around the world along with the 6000 names we have there already," said Hatfield.