Derry City Mayor Expresses Sadness at Clipper Race Fatality

2nd April 2016

Sarah Young – washed overboard in the Clipper Race

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Elisha McCallion has expressed her shock and sadness at the tragic death of Sarah Young, a crew member on the IchorCoat Boat CV21, who died while participating in the Clipper Round the World Race.

She said news of Sarah’s tragic death was met with widespread dismay and sadness across the city and district.

“I am deeply saddened at the news and would like to extend my sincere sympathy, and those of the people of the city and district, to Sarah’s family at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone associated with the Clipper Race, to all of the crew members, including members of our own Derry~Londonderry~Doire team, and the Clipper Round the World Race support team, who are affected by this tragic incident.

“ From speaking with those associated with the Clipper Round the World Race, I understand that Sarah was a very popular team member , with a real passion for adventure and a real team player. Our city has a very close affiliation to the Clipper Round the World Race, this is our third time participating in the event and we are looking forward to welcoming the teams to our port next summer as a stopover location on the final stage of the Race. We will be making contact with the skipper and crew of the Derry~Londonderry~Doire yacht and Clipper Ventures over the weekend to express our condolences and to provide any support and assistance we can,” she added.

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.