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First sighting of Clipper yacht
20.05.11
THE public got its
first glimpse of the Derry-Londonderry Clipper
yacht, skipper and crew when it sailed through
Greencastle yesterday on its way to the Foyle Days
maritime festival.
The yacht's visit to this weekend's festival, comes
ahead of the start of the Clipper 2011-2012 Round
the World Yacht Race.
At 40,000-miles, the Clipper is the world’s longest
yacht race and will get underway from the south
coast of England on July 31. Derry will host a
stopover for all ten of the 68-foot yachts in July
2012.
The crews are drawn from all walks of life and
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. |
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People in Inishowen got the first
glimpse of the Derry-Londonderry Round the World
Clipper yacht when it sailed up Lough Foyle
yesterday on its way to the Foyle Days maritime
festival in Derry. |
Derry Mayor, Cllr Colum
Eastwood said he was delighted to welcome the crew
and skipper of the yacht that would represent the
city in the iconic race.
“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 Clipper yacht will be berthed
at the Foyle Pontoon during Friday and Saturday and
will depart on Sunday following a blessing ceremony
by local church leaders at 12.30pm. For more photos,
click here . |
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