For the first edition of the round-the-world race under the Volvo brand, there was a real combination of European talents surrounding Amer Sports One Team.
 

The design of the yacht was attributed to German “Mani” Frers, and the construction began in La Ciotat, France, with the builder Composite Works. Adding two famous names of yacht building was to be a winning bet, based on differentiation, for the Italian-Finish consortium Amer Sports. Indeed, during this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, 6 of the 8 yachts were signed by Farr Yacht Design.
 

 

Grant Dalton, a skipper from New-Zealand with already 4 participations in the Whitbread, was to lead the team. In his project around the world, he had the support of Paul Cayard, skipper and winner of the previous edition of race onboard EF Language.

Amer Sports One finished at the third place of the race, right behing Illbruck Challenge and Assa Abloy.
 

Half a decade later, the yacht is bought by Canadian skipper Derek Hatfield, who gives her a new name : Spirit of Adventure. At that time, and after 2 Velux Around the World Race with his IMOCA 60 Spirit of Canada, Hatfield was seeking to develop a race chartering company.

 

With this new yacht, Hatlfield participated in many races in Europe to North America with amateurs wanting to live the sensations of ocean racing.
 

In 2010, Hatfield even sets a new record for the Halifax to Saint Pierre Ocean Race, in 29h, 43min, and 56sec.
 

 

In 2016, the yacht is acquired by Gilles Barbot, and renamed Esprit de Corps IV. She was to be skippered by Derek Hatfield who joined the ambitions of Atlas Ocean Racing, but sadly, Hatfield passed away in July 2016.
 

Derek’s career remains a true source of inspiration for our team, and it’s with that spirit of boldness and sharing that we continue to sail on this true flagship of our fleet. Since 2017, our crew members join during winter time to take part in international races on this yacht.

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