City gets first sight of Clipper yacht

The Derry public will get its first glimpse of the Derry-Londonderry yacht, skipper and crew when it visits the city on 20-22 May 2011 as part of Derry City Council’s Foyle Days maritime festival, and ahead of the start of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

 Clipper

Derry Clipper boat naming 21 May 2011

At 40,000-miles Clipper 11-12 is the world’s longest yacht race and will get underway from the south coast of England on 31 July. Derry-Londonderry will host a stopover for all ten of the 68-foot yachts in July 2012. 

Skipper, Mark Light, and his crew will be officially welcomed to the city by the Mayor, Cllr Colum Eastwood. The crews are drawn from all walks of life – ‘people like you’ – and in Clipper 11-12 will represent more than 40 nationalities. Almost half of them have never sailed before embarking on their pre-race training to prepare them for the gruelling challenge ahead.  

Clipper

CAPTION Sir. Steve Redgrave with members of the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commission. Included are Bill McCann, Harbour Master, George Cuthbert, Port Engineer, and Brian McGrath, Chief Executive. Photo by Lorcan Doherty Photography

The Mayor, Cllr Colum Eastwood said he was delighted to welcome the crew and skipper of the yacht that would represent the city in this iconic race. “The people of the city are really excited about the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race and the visit by our yacht, its skipper and the crew will create a real buzz during the Foyle Days events this weekend. The Clipper 11-12 event promises to be a fantastic event for the city in the run up to the UK City of Culture and will provide us with a unique chance to showcase our city, our maritime facilities and heritage, to a global market.” 

The Derry~Londonderry vessel is expected to arrive in the River Foyle on Thursday evening. The exact timings for the arrival will depend on conditions. The yacht will be berthed at the Foyle Pontoon during Friday and Saturday and will depart on Sunday following a Blessing Ceremony, to be conducted by Church Leaders, at 12.30. 

The city’s participation in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2011-2012 is in partnership with Derry City Council, Londonderry Port and Harbour and Ocean Event Management. It is supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Ilex URC and Sail West.