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Clipper yacht race arrives in Derry
today
09.07.18
THE Mayor of Derry City
and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle
is looking forward to welcome the Clipper 2017-18
Round the World Yacht Race to the city as the first
of the yachts are set to arrive in Foyle Port from
around 12 noon today, Monday 09 July.
The Quayside will be a buzz of activity as crowds
turn out to welcome the first of the eleven ocean
racing yachts as they sail up the River Foyle and
into Derry after a tightly
fought race from New York.
Speaking ahead of their arrival into the city this
week, Mayor Boyle says he is really excited about
welcoming the fleet to the city after the completion
of Race 12: LegenDerry Race, for a two-week stopover
before they depart on Sunday 22 July for the final
race in their round the world adventure as they head
towards Race Finish in Liverpool. He urged locals to
come out onto the Quay on Monday at 12 noon to
welcome the first yacht into port. |
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Thousands of people lined Derry Quay
to welcome the Clipper fleet in 2016. |
He said: “I am
particularly looking forward to welcoming the two
Derry participants – Conall Morrison Skipper of the
HotelPlanner.com team and teammate Roseann
McGlinchey from Lifford - as they prepare for a warm
welcome home. It is our opportunity to come out and
show our support for them and thank them for
representing our city and region in the Clipper Race
and doing us proud."
Mayor Boyle says he expects it to be an emotional
arrival as the crews will be greeted by friends and
family. “We’re anticipating a very busy week ahead
with a packed programme of family entertainment and
a whole host of activity on both the river and at
various locations throughout the city. I’m looking
forward to welcoming visitors here for this huge
celebration of our maritime heritage and what
promises to be the highlight in the summer events
calendar,” he added.
Lifford born Roseann McGlinchey is looking forward
to seeing family and friends when she sails into
Derry.
“I have thought about arriving home many times over
the year and it always brings a smile to my face.
The thought of seeing all my family and sleeping in
my own bed are amazing never mind the welcome I am
sure the entire fleet will have when we finally
arrive. I am sure it is something I will never
forget.”
The celebrations will get into full swing on
Saturday July 14th, continuing to Sunday July 22nd
with a wide array of activities on land and water.
The main highlight of the festival will be the
showcase event on the Friday night, June 20th which
will be a spectacular outdoor finale event on the
Foyle from 9 pm to 11pm, before the fleet depart in
a magnificent Parade of Sail on Sunday 22 July at
1pm.
For further information on the Foyle Maritime
Festival and a full programme of events visit
www.foylemaritimefestival.com . |
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