Talk about a challenge. Derek Hatfield, skipper of the Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges Team are getting ready to compete on the world stage and be the first to fly the Canadian flag in the Vendée Globe solo race around the world. Now that’s a challenge! Derek’s will be racing in the Open 60 Spirit of Canada race boat and will be taking along our best off shore gear, including an Ocean Commander.

The IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) requires every Open 60 prove that its self–righting and built to the design specifications. This critical test requires that the boat be self righting without any outside assistance. This test was completed last month. Derek was actually inside the boat with hatches closed while the boat is turned upside down in the water with a crane. Check out this video.