Sailor survives 'rollover test'

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Sailor Derek Hatfield, currently based out of the Port Credit Yacht Club, moved one step closer to his goal of sailing around the world again when his 60-foot Spirit of Canada was turned upside down this morning in Toronto harbour with him inside.
The so-called rollover test, in which a crane turned the boat over, is a mandatory requirement of the international single-handed races and ensure sailors can right boats from inside should they capsize in ocean storms. It took place at the foot of Parliament St.
Hatfield circumnavigated in the 2002 Around Alone race in 40-foot Spirit of Canada. He is trying to do it again in the 2008 Vendee Globe in a new Spirit of Canada.
The Vendee Globe is a non-stop event that leaves France in November with the winner arriving back about three months later. The Around Alone is run in legs with stops in between and takes about eight months.
"It's very dramatic and disorienting as everything is backwards and upside down," said Hatfield who admitted to being nervous before the rollover and said this could be his last global competition.
He was greeted by cheers when his boat turned upright and he emerged from the hatch.

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