Expansions for Spirit of Canada Sailing Program

by Patianne Verburgh on 11 Oct 2012 Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges Caribbean regattas and offshore sailing adventures are a unique opportunity for those with all levels of ability to experience two extreme ocean racers; an Open 60 normally raced single handed around the world and a Volvo 60 built to be raced around the world by a professional crew.

Derek Hatfield and his team; with their experience from three round the world races now offer sailors the chance to experience the sheer exhilaration and sense of accomplishment in completing an offshore passage or regatta on a world class racing yacht.

The VO60 will allow sailors who dream of competing in one of the famous Caribbean regattas alongside the worlds’ best regatta sailors. The trade wind sailing, turquoise blue water and Caribbean charm are the perfect combination for long winters.

'Our goal is to give the crew a sense of real participation in all facets of sailing one of these ocean greyhounds. Everyone participates in the experience including food preparation, manuevers on deck, navigation, sail handling, tactics and helming. No prior experience is required.' - Skipper, Derek Hatfield

Both the Open 60 and the VO60 will be used for offshore sailing sessions that will allow participants to experience world-class grand prix sailboats sailing on the North Atlantic.

Crewmembers can expect to learn about:

- Offshore cruising and racing tactics
- Navigation Weather analysis
- Nutrition
- Sleep Patterns
- Psychological factors
- Safety while at sea
- Sail selection
- Communications
- Emergency medical procedures

Caribbean Regatta Dates Aboard V60     Offshore Sailing Dates VO60 and Open 60                            

Feb 18th   The Caribbean 600                      Jan 12th     Canaries to Antigua - VO60

Mar 1st     St. Maarten Heineken Regatta      May 7th      Antigua to Bermuda - VO60
Apr 8th      Voile de St. Barth                       May 11th    Nova Scotia to Bermuda - O60
Apr 28th    Antigua Race Week                     May 19th    **Bermuda to Nova Scotia
                                                                 June 15th   Nova Scotia to Azores VO60
                                                                 June 29th   Azores to Gosport, UK                                        

As in business, success on the water depends on strong teamwork, leadership, communication and a competitive spirit. Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges draws on all of its combined experience in offshore sailing to take individuals, couples and teams on the sailing adventure of a lifetime.