Formerly with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police he became Manager of the Compliance Department for the Toronto Stock Exchange, he got into sailing thanks to a neighbour. A fervent protector of the environment, together with Earth Rangers, he has mounted a charitable organisation, which is a partnership to inform children about saving the environment. A circumnavigator, he is the 126th sailor to have gone round the world single-handed… Sailor of the year 2003 in Canada, that same year he was also the winner of the Trophy bearing the name of his marine compatriot, Gerry Roufs, who disappeared in the Pacific. Derek is preparing for next year’s single-handed round the world race and the Transat Ecover-BtoB will be the first life-size test for both the skipper and the boat.
 

Track record

Born on 30th August 1952 in Newcastle (Canada)

Rolex Sailor of the Year 2003

Around Alone Race 2002: 3rd on Spirit of Canada

Bermuda Race 1999: 2nd

Bermuda Race 1997: 2nd

Legend Cup Transatlantic Race 1996: 1st Europe1 Star 1996: 7th