Taking a Punt on Clipper 20.06.12

LOUGH Foyle Yacht Club in association with the Lough Foyle Punt Association are to hold a sailing race of traditional wooden punt boats to welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to the lough. Each punt will carry the flag of one of the ten Clipper boats and will be crewed by some of the Clipper yacht skippers. The Foyle Punt is a wooden built boat traditionally used for fishing the Foyle and were worked by sail and oar. Many local families had one to supplement their income or catch their dinner. "They are sailed now for leisure and competition from Moville Boat Club and Lough Foyle Yacht Club.

Traditional Foyle punts at sail in Greencastle.

The boats now have very large mainsails and can move along at a very good speed requiring great sailing skill. "Punt racing in Lough Foyle is extremely competitive with fishing rivalries often going back hundreds of years. "This will be a great event for spectators and everyone is welcome," said a spokesperson for Lough Foyle Yacht Club. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 3, at 7pm at Culmore Point, Derry. Refreshments will be on offer.

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