Clippers race from
Greencastle to London
25.07.22
THE Clipper Race fleet
officially started their final race from Greencastle at
6pm yesterday, following a rainy but wonderful departure
from Foyle Marina in Derry.
Race 15 is a short but tactical sprint of 860nm, taking
the fleet north around the top of Scotland, sailing
through the tricky conditions of the Pentland Firth and
then to the North Sea, before making their way to the
mouth of the Thames, finishing in Southend, London. |
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Clippers approach their
final race start at Greencastle |
As the final sails
disappeared over the horizon, Derry was reflecting on a
fantastic five days of celebration as the Foyle Maritime
Festival said farewell to the Clipper Race Fleet, and
drew the curtain reluctantly to a close on an amazing
event
The rain wasn't enough to dampen the spirits, as crowds
gathered to wave them off from the quayside, and the
crew danced and cheered as they left for the official
race start in Greencastle. |
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Parade of Sail yesterday
in Derry |
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On Saturday evening the
weather curtailed the festivities with a slightly
earlier closing time as the downpours moved in. Popular
activities on day 3 of the Foyle Maritime Festival
included the special showcase event, the Parade of Light
and fireworks display. |
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Foyle Maritime Festival
Parade of Light and fireworks display. |
It's the fifth maritime
celebration of its kind to be held in Derry, and marks
the ten-year anniversary since Derry City and Strabane
District Council first partnered with Clipper Ventures
as a host port in the internationally acclaimed Clipper
Round the World Yacht Race.
The Clipper Race fleet arrived in fine style on the
Foyle just over a week ago after finishing their
penultimate race in the global adventure and have been
central to the quayside festivities, before they finally
took their leave in a spectacular Parade of Sail
yesterday.
You can find out more about the festival at
www.foylemaritime.com . |
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