2004 Presenter Full Presenter List

Derek Hatfield

“Around Alone” Yacht Race

It takes tremendous courage to sail around the world alone. Derek Hatfield began that journey in September 2002, when he embarked on the “Around Alone” Single-Handed Yacht Race, an adventure that took him over 28,700 nautical miles – and just about killed him.

Off the infamous Cape Horn, and after fighting 60-foot waves during a daylong Southern Ocean gale, Hatfield’s boat flipped, throwing him into the frigid water (but then luckily, scooped him back up again). He arrived at the Newport, Rhode Island finish line in May 2003 to a hero’s welcome after almost eight months at sea.

In his previous life, Hatfield had a successful career in the RCMP and also spent a number of years working in the securities industry.