City to feature in next two Clipper races
This will include a City Yacht in the race along with welcoming the fleet to the city as part of a biennial maritime festival planned for July 2014 and July 2016.
Mayor Martin Reilly said: “I am delighted that Derry City Council has continued to work in partnership with Clipper Ventures to have a Derry~Londonderry yacht in the 2013-14 and 2015-16 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and be a host stopover city in July 2014 and 2016.
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Hide Ad“Our participation in the Clipper 11-12 Race and the Clipper Homecoming Festival in July 2012 was a phenomenal experience for everyone and was the stepping stone to the city’s UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations.
“The Clipper Festival successfully reinvented our riverfront, brought investment to our maritime offering and changed the way we use and look at the River Foyle.
“It successfully showcased the city and achieved a PR value of £104m in media coverage as well as generating almost 8,000 bed nights and achieving 98 per cent positive comments in relation to civic pride.
“This further commitment with Clipper Ventures 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.”
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Hide AdFounder and chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “I am extremely pleased to be here today to welcome back Derry-Londonderry to the next two editions of the Clipper Race.
“This will enable the City to capitalise on its many achievements during the last Clipper Race, which will continue to provide an international platform for Derry-Londonderry to promote and build upon trade and tourism around the world.
“With our brand new fleet of 12 matched 70 foot ocean racing yachts the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Race will be the largest we have ever produced.”
Sharon O’Connor, Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Derry City Council said: “Following the success of Clipper 11-12 we have continued to work closely with Clipper Ventures and build a positive legacy for the city.
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Hide Ad“We know that the Clipper Race provides us with a unique opportunity to profile the city and region and showcase its potential as a location for hosting international events, trade and visitors. Participation will also assist us in further developing our maritime offering and confirms an international event for Summer 2014 helping the city sustain legacy from the 2013 cultural year.”
Next year Londonderry will feature as part of the final homecoming leg of the race from New York to London.
According to the organisers: “From New York, the second race of Leg 8 gets underway as the final dash across the Atlantic begins.
“The route will have one waypoint to avoid any risk from ice and will take your close to the Flemish Cap, a fishing ground made famous in the book and film, The Perfect Storm.
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Hide Ad“It’s a 2,000-mile blast back towards Europe and, to welcome you, the finish line in Ireland promises a great reception.
“The craic is predictably legendary and, with your odyssey almost over, it’s a great place to gather your thoughts and put your achievements into perspective.”