The Clipper Round the World Race fleet can expect a LegenDerry welcome from tens of thousands of well-wishers when it arrives in the city during the Foyle Maritime Festival, taking place from 9-17 July next.
The 12 crews of the world’s longest ocean race will receive an equally memorable reception when they step onto dry land, after being paired up with hospitality venues in the city as part of the Council’s ‘Adopt a Boat’ initiative.
Welcoming the scheme, which will see local hotels, restaurants and bars hosting themed events for each of the Race teams, the Mayor, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said it was a great working partnership which would bring mutual benefits for the crews and local businesses.
Cllr. McCallion said: “We are all very excited about Derry being the focal point for the Homecoming leg of the Clipper Round the Word Race again this summer after the spectacular success of our previous Maritime Festivals in 2012 and 2014.
“I am delighted that the results of the lottery draw for ‘Adopt a Boat’ have been officially announced and the twelve local Team Hosts can prepare for the fantastic reception that awaits each of the crews when the fleet arrives in the city around July 10th.”
Many of the race crews will also receive visits from family and friends at the various stopover ports during the race which takes in sixteen cities across six continents.
The team hosts are as follows: - City Hotel (ClipperTelemed+); RoCo (Da Nang-Viet Nam); The Everglades Hotel (Derry~Londonderry-Doire); Da Vinci’s (Garmin): The Blackbird (Great Britain); The Bentley (IchorCoal); Bishop’s Gate Hotel (Lmax Exchange); Pyke ‘N’ Pommes (Mission Performance); The Sandwich Co (PSP Logistics); Browns in Town (Quingdao); Walled City Brewery (Unicef); and Granny Annie’s (Visit Seattle).
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