Spirit of Canada ECO 60 Update

2:54 PM Tue 10 Nov 2009 GMT

'2008 VENDEE GLOBE. , Derek Hatfield (CAN) Spirit of Canada' ThMartinez / Sea & Co &copy

Derek Hatfield's Spirit of Canada supports safe, economic and sustainable single-handed offshore racing class to be premiered in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11.

Clipper Ventures today published the inaugural rules and regulations in relation to the Eco 60, a new class of offshore racing boats who will compete for the first time in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11.

The rules, developed over the last 12 months by the Race Management and a dedicated team of experts, will ensure the safety of the skippers and the boats racing in their own competitive fleet, as well as introduce regulations to reduce costs and encourage a sustainable future for the class. The ECO 60 Class will equally be governed by a number of rules and regulations designed to improve the ecological and environmental impact on the planet. These rules, currently under development, will seek to limit fossil fuel consumption and encourage wind and solar power, taking a message of sustainable living around the world.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures, concluded, 'The Eco 60 Class is an exciting new concept that has proven to be extremely popular with skippers and sponsors alike, with ten entries now confirmed for the next VELUX 5 OCEANS. The race remains open to all offshore racing skippers with an Open 60 to compete in either our Eco 60 Class or our Open 60 Class. We have worked with the leading experts in offshore racing to define the Eco 60 Class rules so that we maintain these high standards and deliver an accessible racing platform that is suited to the current economic climate and environmental issues.'

The Eco 60 Class, open to 60 foot racing yachts launched before January 2003 that meet the class rules for safety and stability, is designed to broaden the reach of single-handed offshore racing. The Eco 60 Class encourages skippers to embrace renewable energy sources. The class will deliver a competitive sporting arena for a diverse group of skippers, ranging in nationalities, racing experience and motivations.

Derek Hatfield commented 'We will be competing in the ECO 60 class as it embodies our core values with regard to the environment and education. The aim is to consume zero fossil fuels as we race around the world. We will be able to attain this by utilizing wind, solar and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The overall budget is relatively small and would be attractive to a company that can use this platform to increase their brand exposure while aligning themselves with a sustainability message. We are currently seeking partners that have these similar goals.

For me, competing in the ECO 60 class makes perfect sense; the relatively small budgets are more attainable but the benefits for the sponsors are still the same. For our partners, it's all about return on investment and they can reap the same benefits of this type of around the world racing without having to commit to the big budgets that are required to field a team to be at the front of the Open 60 class.

For example, in the last Vendee Globe, Sam Davies and Steve White both sailed in ECO 60 generation boats and reaped huge returns for their sponsors. I know we can do the same for our partners'.

To receive more information on the benefits of partnering with Spirit of Canada for the Velux 5 Oceans 2010-11, please contact Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges at 647-288-7342 or via email: [email protected] .

by Elizabeth A Kerr

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