Starting in September 2002 and ending in May of 2003, Derek completed over 28,700 nautical miles in the "Around Alone" Single-handed Yacht Race. Despite major obstacles along the way, Derek was 1 of 9 international competitors to finish the grueling event. To enter the Around Alone Derek built his own boat specifically designed for this race. Unable to find a corporate sponsor, Derek, family and friends worked tirelessly over five years to build and fund the boat from scratch and get him to the start line.

There were tremendous accomplishments throughout the race but the major challenge occurred in the fourth leg of the race off infamous Cape Horn. Here, after fighting 60 foot waves during a day long Southern Ocean gale, a vertical breaking wave pitch-poled Spirit of Canada. The boat stood on its nose, flipped upside down then back up again. Derek was thrown off the deck into the frigid Southern Ocean water and then scooped up again as the boat righted itself. Unfortunately, Spirit of Canada was dismasted in the accident. Devastated, Derek motored Spirit of Canada over 30 hours to Ushuaia; Argentina. Over the next four weeks, Derek and his team of friends and supporters worked diligently to repair the boat and get him back onto the racecourse. With a new mast, new sails and electronics, Spirit of Canada was once again sailing but obviously significantly behind the rest of the boats.

On May 31st 2003, after almost 8 months at sea, Derek arrived in Newport - the finish line - to a hero's welcome, as hundreds of people came out to pay homage to a man who just wouldn't quit. Finishing an amazing 3rd place overall in Class II, Derek was the fastest 40' boat throughout the event.
 

If sports are a metaphor for life, and all of its concerns - personal, financial, business, family - then imagine the lessons we can learn from the world's most difficult, challenging, and grueling individual competition: single-handed open-ocean sailing. Derek Hatfield draws out these lessons in a fascinating and visually stimulating presentation that tells the story of his successful completion of the Around Alone race. From perseverance, to teamwork (he was on the boat alone but had to work closely with his support team on shore), to focus and entrepreneurial drive, Derek weaves a tale that is both practical and motivational, and sure to resonate with any audience looking to embrace challenges and rejuvenate its competitive spirit. As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Derek understands the importance of putting forth a consistent message, and works hard with event organizers to make sure he is aligning his talk with key company values.  Don't miss the talk.