News came out overnight that Derick Hatfield had passed away suddenly. the details surrounding his passing were not released.

Hatfield had 3 times raced Solo around the world, becoming the 126th person to do so solo after his first attempt in 2002 (another Nova Scotian, Joshua Slocum was first, in his vessel Spray). He finished third in the 2002 Around Alone race. he attempted the 2008  Vendee Globe, but was demasted, and had to drop out, and on his third attempt, finished third in the Velux 5 Oceans race in 2010.

The only Photos I have are of his Vessel Spirit of Adventure, from the start of the 2014 Route Halifax St. Pierre. the boat is a Volvo 60, originally Amver Sport1 from the 2001 Volvo Oceans Race.

the Norwegians always seem to be the first to arrive in the spring, and are seemingly the last to depart in winter. The lovely, but well worked wooden sailing vessel Flekkeroy is currently tied up at the Museum wharves.

The Following Notice was posted on Schwalb’s Window:

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You can read our initial story Here:http://blog.halifaxshippingnews.ca/2014/06/schwalbe-from-southampton.html. The Schwalbe departed Bahamas bound for Bermuda, and with contrary winds and following seas, found themselves equidistant between Halifax and Bermuda. As they were heading in the general UK direction they chose Halifax.

CBC has reported that there are also some imigration issues – The owners wife was deported to the Philippines – As a Brit, he is allowed to stay for 6 months but has been told by CBSA not to leave Halifax.

UPDATE:
Apparently the CBC Story was incorrect. From Charles Holland Himself:

my partner of 10 years, who has circumnavigated on S/Y Schwalbe was asked by CBSA to leave the country in order to fulfill immigration obligations in the process of her visa to visit Canada. It is my understanding that Somporn Chiangmanee has not been deported as falsely stated by CBC news. 

CBSA took exception to the temerity of my partner, Somporn Chiangmanee, arriving in Canada without a visa in place. Despite Somporn being in possession of 2 expired and 1 current passport documenting her arrival worldwide aboard S/Y Schwalbe, they failed to recognize her as valid crew. Regardless of our immigration Lawyer Mr. Lee Cohen advising us of her entitlement to remain in Canada under a temporary residence permit, CBSA were adamant that she must return to her country in order to meet visa requirements. 

Further, it should be made clear that Somporn sailed – Greece – Egypt – Yemen – Maldives – Sri Lanka – India – Thailand – Malaysia – Singapore – Cambodia – Indonesia – Australia – Mauritius – South Africa – St. Helena – Brazil – Surinam – Tobago – Columbia – Jamaica – Cuba – Bahamas and has never had any visa issues as being valid and most important crew of S/Y Schwalbe.