And they’re Off…
There is so much ocean racing going on at the moment: the Volvo Ocean Race, record breaking season, and the IACC boats finally back at it again. But by far the most difficult and exciting race of the past four years began yesterday morning, the venerable Vendee Globe.
I got up at 3:30am EST to watch the start over the internet, and found my heart thumping away in my chest as the 30 sailors made their way out the canal and out to the biggest race course in the world.
One thing that made this Vendee Globe so special for us Canucks, is that Derek Hatfield made it to the start. This in it’s self is an astonishing feat. With budgets going through the roof in the IMOCA fleet, Derek had an impossible challenge to over come. There are no words to describe the feelings I had watching him on the bow of Spirit of Canada as he headed down the canal toward the sea. His beaming smile said it all and I felt a lump in my throat as I thought of the stress and turmoil that he has been through over the past four years putting this pogram together.
I can’t help but have my thoughts wander toward my own start, that will come in less than a year. Definitly getting to the start line is more than half the battle.
So be sure to check in on Derek at the race tracker, and to send some positive vibes his was as he fights his way around the planet with the best skippers in the world. If anyone deserves to be there it is Derek.