The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet arrived in Derry last week, with the eleven teams taking on the challenge of a lifetime.
A race truly without equals, the sailors on their 70-foot racing yachts have almost travelled 40,000 nautical miles in challenging conditions for glory around the globe.
The clipper race fleet has arrived just in time for the Maiden City's Foyle Maritime Festival which is set to take place between July 20-24.
Read more: Safety message issued by NI council ahead of Maritime Festival
What is the Clipper Round the World Race?
The brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the event is now in its twelfth edition due to the pandemic, the Clipper 2019-20 Race.
Divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races, you can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select individual legs.
The sailors who take part are not seasoned professionals but normal, ordinary, and everyday people. Having concluded a stringent conditioning course, participants are suited and booted in the latest extreme protection gear to commence the race of their lives.
Where does the Clipper Fleet race around the world?
The race officially started in London on September 1 2019 before travelling to Portugal, Urguagary, South Africa, Australia, Philippines, Seattle USA, Panama, New York City, and Derry, before its final journey to London on July 24.
Where can I see the Clipper Yachts?
All eleven yachts are currently docked at the Foyle Marina in Derry City. They will remain there until July 24 when they will depart back up Lough Foyle for the final leg of their journey.
How can I meet a Clipper race crew?
Foyle Maritime Festival goers will have the opportunity to give a big, local welcome to the Clipper Round the World Race crews at the traditional prize-giving event, which will take place on Wednesday.
Normally held in the Guildhall, this year the event will take place on the main stage in the festival village, called Dopey's Den, along the Quay.
All of the Clipper crews will be onstage alongside Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy, from 4pm on Wednesday – the opening day of the Foyle Maritime Festival.
Mayor Duffy said: "It's always a really positive atmosphere and it's brilliant that this year it will be taking place on the main stage of our Dopey's Den festival village where the crowd can give all of the fantastic sailors a big welcome and cheer that we are famous for! There's no better way to kick off what promises to be a jam-packed and exciting festival programme.
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