VELUX CANADA CELEBRATES THE ELEMENTS

Supports Canadian racer's solo around-the-world challenge in VELUX 5Oceans Race

OAKVILLE, ON, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - Known as the longest and toughest ocean race, VELUX 5 OCEANS starts from La Rochelle in France this Sunday October 17 and features five ocean sprints passing the three great Capes, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leewin and Cape Horn ending back in France next June. Six skippers from three continents will be competing in the 2010-11 VELUX 5 OCEANS and will race 30,000 nautical miles over nine months.

"Mastering the elements to achieve amazing results is a goal shared by the VELUX Group and the skippers of VELUX 5 OCEANS. Our products use wind and sun to light, heat and cool home environments and improve the quality of life for people living in them. The parallel to sailing makes this a perfect partnership," says Nels Moxness, president of VELUX Canada. The VELUX Group is the title sponsor of the race for the second time.

Canadian Skipper Derek Hatfield is the first official entry in the ECO 60 division of the VELUX 5 Oceans race.   Starting in September 2002 and ending in May of 2003, Derek completed over 28,700 nautical miles in the "Around Alone" Single-handed Yacht Race, only the 126th sailor in history to have done so. Fewer than 180 people have ever sailed round the world solo. This compares with fewer than 400 astronauts who have gone into space or more than 15,000 mountaineers who have reached the summit of Mt. Everest. Since it began almost 30 years ago, 123 sailors have lined up at the starting line of VELUX 5 OCEANS - but only 73 have crossed the finishing line. Two have died following their dream.

VELUX 5 OCEANS was first staged in 1982. After heading from La Rochelle to Cape Town, South Africa, the skippers will call in at Wellington in New Zealand, Salvador in Brazil and Charleston in the US before returning back across the Atlantic to France.

"VELUX 5 OCEANS is one of the world's most exciting sailing events, and by sponsoring it, we increase awareness of the tremendous environmental benefits of our products, all over the world," added Moxness.

VELUX CANADA is the market leader in the manufacturing of Skylights, Sun Tunnels, and Roof Windows. Available to builders, architects, merchants and consumers throughout Canada, the company's leak-proof skylights and roof windows are complemented by a complete range of blinds, electronic accessories, and solar thermal products.

For further information:

Dina Biniaris  VELUX Canada Inc.  [phone]  [phone] (mobile)

Jill Fairbrother Ketchum Public Relations [phone] [phone] (mobile)