THE Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is to return to Derry for a fourth time next year.
Derry City and Strabane District Council said a new partnership is to be developed with organisers to build on the success of Clipper visits in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
In one of the toughest endurance events in the world, the ships cross the oceans as they battle for victory.
Thousands of people visited the Foyle Maritime Festival which was built around the visit by the yachts last year.
While the city will not sponsor a boat in the race which starts in August this year, there is a possibility of an entry with local commercial backing.
The council's business and culture committee yesterday approved a proposal to work with the race organisers to achieve “host port” status for next year.
Mayor Hilary McClintock said the city’s bi-annual maritime festival was designed to build on the legacy of the Clipper Race partnership.
“During its last three races, the event allowed us to drive the visitor and tourism economy of the north west forward attracting both local and global audiences to our city and region.”
Race chief executive William Ward said while the dates of the Derry stopover had to be finalised, they would be in July next year.
“Whilst Derry-Londonderry may not be on the same geographical scale as other Clipper Race destinations such as New York, Sydney and London, its strong community price and infectious sense of hospitality has consistently made it one of the most popular stopovers across all six continents we visit,” he said.
