News

Derry clipper to race around planet

Derry is to enter a yacht in the longest ocean race on the planet. The Clipper round the World yacht race covers 40,000 miles and visits 15 ports on six continents. A skipper from the city will lead the crew of the Derry-Londonderry vessel in the next two races, in 2013/14 and 2015/16, Derry City Council said. The fleet of 70ft racing yachts will also visit the city as part of a biennial maritime festival planned for July next year and in 2016. Sean McCarter (31) confirmed yesterday has been chosen to skipper the boat. "It's such an honour to be here today in my home town of Derry-Londonderry. In my career I have had the privilege of achieving so many of my personal goals, but to be named as skipper of my home entry in the Clipper race is one of the greatest honours I have ever received," he said. "I'm looking forward to leading my team around the world while helping to place Derry-Londonderry firmly on the global map." The city participated for the first time in the 2011/12 edition of the race and hosted a Clipper Homecoming festival last year attracting more than 120,000 spectators. Derry mayor Martin reilly said: "This further commitment with Clipper Ventures [the firm behind the race] will form an integral part of the city's international campaign to market the city's business, tourism and cultural offering as well as forming a key element of the legacy of City of Culture and help us further develop the city's international profile."

n LEGACY: Crew members aboard the Derry-Londonderry vessel