| Canada. Raytheon sponsors Hatfield, Spirit of Canada in Velux 5 Oceans Solo Race |
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| Monday, 13 February 2006 | |
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Sponsorship news: Raytheon Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company, today announced its platinum sponsorship of skipper Derek Hatfield and his Spirit of Canada Open 60 racing yacht as he prepares for this fall's gruelling 2006/2007 Velux 5 Oceans solo race around the world. The Velux 5 Oceans around-the-world race spans eight months and some 30,000 nautical miles. Held every four years since 1982, it tests the endurance and stamina of competing skippers. Hatfield was chosen as the 2003 Canadian sailor of the year, is a seasoned athlete and is one of 139 people to finish a single-handed race around the globe. In 2003, he finished third in his class, despite capsizing near Cape Horn, Africa. As one of Hatfield's sponsors, Raytheon Canada will provide a state-of- the-art radar collision warning system based on its advanced Small Target Tracking technology. The equipment suite includes software, hardware, on-board computers and mission support systems that include navigation, weather retrieval and communication devices for the 60-foot racing yacht. Hatfield can use the equipment to detect and track water-borne objects such as ice, sea life, lost containers and logs -- all of which could be serious threats to the yacht's safety. "Because of the speed of these yachting greyhounds, solid objects in the water are a constant worry," said Hatfield. "The hull and foils are susceptible to damage. With the tracking system, I will be warned ahead of time about possible collisions and can adjust course accordingly. That's especially important at night or in rough seas." "We're committed to Derek and to the Spirit of Canada," said Mark Desmarais, general manager of Raytheon Canada's Waterloo facility. "In 2006, Raytheon marks our 50th anniversary in Canada, and we decided to celebrate by adopting the Spirit of Canada as our site mascot." |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 13 February 2006 ) |
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