#clipper – The twelve yachts competing in the world's longest ocean race have started their 5,000 mile Atlantic Ocean crossing to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, off the French Brittany coast today.

Henri Lloyd under skipper Eric Holden crossed the line first ahead of GREAT Britain, followed by Derry~Londonderry~Doire, on a close-hauled start.

But it was Derry~Londonderry~Doire that was first round the windward mark followed by Henri Lloyd and PSP Logistics; GREAT Britain opted to take a penalty 720 degree turn (making two turns in the same direction), after touching the mark.

Race director Justin Taylor said: "Three minutes before the start, the yachts were fully powered up and as the wind got up, the boats that benefitted were the ones with a reef in."

The new generation of Clipper 70s are embarking on their first big ocean crossing, sailing to 2016 Olympic host city Rio in Brazil to complete Leg 1 after a short stopover in Brest, France.

Legendary British yachtsman, Clipper Race Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "Tactically, the Doldrums is where Race 2 is likely to be decided. The teams will have to ensure they maintain concentration and keep the boat moving.

"Between the flat calms and the squalls, the lack of wind will be frustrating at times but how they perform at this stage of the race will be worth watching as it could make a big difference to the final positions."

Sean McCarter, Skipper of Derry~Londonderry~Doire said ahead of Race 2 this afternoon, "There is a really good feeling on board as we do our final preparations and prepare to say goodbye to dry land for the next 11 months.

"We are very happy with our boat and can't wait to get out there and start testing ourselves as well as the yacht."

After a stopover at Marina da Gloria, Rio, the fleet will then continue on via South Africa, Western Australia, Sydney (including the world famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Race), Brisbane, Singapore, China, San Francisco, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Derry Londonderry and the Netherlands before returning to London's St Katharine Docks for Race Finish in July 2014.

The fleet will not be returning to the UK until July 2014 after a total of 670 crew race 40,000 miles and visit 15 ports on six continents.

Designed to provide everyone – regardless of sailing experience – the chance to race across oceans and taste the exhilaration of completing a circumnavigation, the Clipper Race has turned over 3,500 novices into ocean racers since its inception in 1995.

The leaderboard going into Race 2 to Rio is as follows:
1. Invest Africa 12 points
2. Great Britain 11 points
3. Qingdao 10 points
4. Team Garmin 9 points
5. PSP Logistics 8 points
6. One DLL 7 points
7. Switzerland 6 points
8. Henri Lloyd 5 points (joint)
8. Derry~Londonderry~Doire 5 points (joint)
10. Jamaica 3 points
11. Old Pulteney 2 points
12. Mission Performance 1 point

#clipperroundtheworldrace – London waved off the crews of the world's longest ocean race as they started their 40,000 mile adventure from Tower Bridge.

Crowds estimated in excess of 120,000 lined the banks of the Thames to cheer on the colourful pageant to mark the start of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race.

The fleet of twelve 70-ft ocean racing yachts and a flotilla of support vessels, spectator boats and well-wishers participated in a spectacular parade with Tower Bridge lifting to salute the crews who will face the ultimate endurance test.

The armada was joined by a paddleship steamer, pilot boats, police boats, RIBs, spectator boats and other pleasure craft as Britain waved off the 270 crew sailing from London to Rio de Janeiro on Leg 1.

It is the first time London has hosted the Clipper Race and is 40 years since the Thames last featured a round the world sailing event.

The fleet will not be returning until July 2014 after a total of 670 crew race 40,000 miles and visit 16 ports on six continents.

The first leg of the Clipper Race ends in Marina da Gloria, Rio de Janeiro, the destination for the 2016 Olympic sailing events. They then continue on via South Africa, Western Australia, Sydney (including the world famous Sydney-Hobart Race), Brisbane, Singapore, China, San Francisco, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Derry Londonderry and the Netherlands before returning to London's St Katharine Docks for Race Finish in July 2014.

#clipper – The UK City of Culture 2013, Derry~Londonderry, has today announced the city's participation in two further editions of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, in 2013-14 and 2015-16. 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.
This is the world's longest ocean race at 40,000 miles and visits 15 ports on six continents. Derry~Londonderry participated for the first time in the 2011-12 edition of the Clipper Race and hosted the hugely successful Clipper Homecoming Festival in July 2012. This festival attracted over 120,000 spectators over the 10-day celebration and was delivered in partnership with key agencies including Foyle Port, NITB, Loughs Agency and Ilex URC. The City also undertook an international promotional programme which included opportunities for trade, media, tourism and Diaspora engagement in international markets supported by Invest NI and Tourism Ireland.
The announcement was made today by the Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly on behalf of Derry City Council, who have developed the partnership with Clipper Ventures. Speaking at the event launch today, the Mayor said the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to the city was hugely significant.
"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.
"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% 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".

The founder and chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston visited Derry-Londonderry today to make the announcement. He 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 the partnership with Clipper Ventures will provide a unique platform to share its new story to a global audience.
"Following the success of Clipper 11-12 we have continued to work closely with Clipper Ventures and build a positive legacy for the city. 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. "

Local Skipper

It was also announced today that 31-year-old Sean McCarter, originally from Derry-Londonderry, has been chosen as skipper of the Derry-Londonderry yacht. He said: "It's such an honour to be here today in my home town of Derry-Londonderry. In my career I have had the privilege of achieving so many of my personal goals, but to be named as skipper of my home entry in the Clipper Race is one of the greatest honours I have ever received. I'm looking forward to leading my team around the world while helping to place Derry-Londonderry firmly on the global map."

Follow the city's participation in the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper

#Clipper - Irishman Sean McCarter is among the 'dynamic dozen' skippers selected to lead their amateur crews in the ninth edition of the Clipper Round the World Race.

The 31-year-old is looking forward to a home crowd welcome when the race visits Northern Ireland on its final leg in summer 2014.

He will be joined by the third ever woman to skipper a Clipper crew in 30-year-old Vicky Ellis from Bristol, who has paid her dues as a training skipper over three years.

The 12 yacht masters, selected from hundreds of possible candidates in a rigorous process, now begin their final training ahead of the race start in August.

But first comes the crew allocation on 11 May, when the race hopefuls - including two Irish challengers - will find out who they'll be sailing with.

#clipper – The river will be the arena this weekend for a maritime spectacle never before seen in the city, as the flotilla of Clipper Round the Yacht vessels say their final farewell to the River Foyle and the host post of Derry~Londonderry.

The ten yachts will depart the city on Saturday in a spectacular Parade of Sail, before heading to Greencastle, where they will begin the penultimate race in their 40,000 mile journey. Thousands are expected to turn out to watch the Clippers line-up for their spectacular Parade of Sail with activities commencing on the Quay from 12noon as the yachts prepare to sail from the Quay at 1pm, in what will be an emotional journey for the Derry~Londonderry team as they once again set off from their home port.

The yachts will sail down the River Foyle for the official race start at Greencastle, with live links to the city over the duration of the day so that you can watch the official race start live on quay at 5pm.

The crews have enjoyed a homecoming welcome to remember since their arrival last weekend, with 1,000's along the quay daily enjoying the celebrations and there are still two days to go!! Although the Clippers might be moving on, the party will continue in full swing until Sunday. After the Parade of Sail on Saturday, the Zapcats will be making waves with some high speed action on the river. Reaching speeds of 50mph, these little boats will be performing some breathtaking stunts, with 3G turns and six foot jumps.

"Zapcats go where most other boats dare not," said Mike Sanford, race organiser. "It's fast, it's furious and it's great fun for all the family. Safety is paramount, but I admit that we really do push things to the limit!

"We have 16 competitors coming from all over England, joining teams from Belfast and the Republic. We've already scoped out the lough and are looking forward to two days of challenging racing, after the Clipper fleet departs."

The Zapcat Grand Prix has been compared to motorcross on water, and promises to keep audiences glued to their death defying antics as the two man crews battle it out over short circuits near the Peace Bridge on Saturday from 3pm, and on Sunday from 12noon-3pm.

Throughout the day visits to the stunning Earl of Pembroke Tall Ship as well as the impressive naval vessels lining the quay, will be running from 10am-5.30pm. The Continental Market will be thronged with foodies throughout the weekend with an exciting array of dishes and goods from home and abroad on offer.

The Quayside itself will be buzzing with activity, with music, song and dance at the Quayside stage. And youngsters can get arty in the Creativity Zone, where there will be a full programme of art workshops, magic shows and documentary screenings.

The festival will also feature a series of fascinating environmental exhibitions, as well as the opportunity to trace your family roots and explore the city's maritime heritage in the Environmental and Heritage Zone. And don't forget the festival finale and water display between 4-6pm on Sunday 08th July.

For ease of access, don't forget we have the Clipper Event Park n'Ride at Templemore and event park n'stride at Magee College, event car parking is also available in all city centre car parks.

The Clipper 11-12 Maritime and Home Coming Festival is organised by Derry City Council in partnership with Londonderry Port. It is supported by Northern Ireland Tourist Board, MalinWaters as part of the Sail West Project marine tourism initiative, part financed by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund through INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme, Invest Northern Ireland, Loughs Agency, Ilex URC, FG Wilson, Diageo and event partners Translink.

#clipper – Crossing the finish line off Greencastle on the north Irish coast at 0237 GMT this morning, Gold Coast Australia secured its eleventh win in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race after a 2,350 mile tough upwind battle across the North Atlantic.

In the early hours of the morning the Australian entry made its way from the finish line at Greencastle, County Donegal, through Lough Foyle before arriving into Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland this morning where hundreds of spectators awaited them.

Upon arrival, Tasmanian skipper, Richard Hewson said, "The worst part for us as a team was the lack of sleep and we didn't see sunshine for about two weeks. It was all worth it though as we had head winds behind us the whole way up here and before we knew it we were in Northern Ireland being welcomed by a flotilla of ships. Incredible!"

Reflecting on the tough conditions of the North Atlantic, Richard continued, "As tropical storm 'Chris' developed, the tough conditions really tried to batter the fleet, but I saw it as an opportunity for us to take advantage of the strong winds and head to the south. Once we managed that, we put the kite up and we were flying along ahead of the rest of the fleet, especially those who chose to go to the north. "

Singapore is expected to finish in the next few hours, with the rest of the fleet still fighting the final miles to secure the best possible finish in this tough final ocean crossing.

Despite bad luck early on in the race, diverting to gain medical attention for an injured crew member, Qingdao managed to win the Ocean Sprint overnight, subject to verification by the Race Committee. The Chinese entry completed the sprint in 11 hours 38 minutes 09 seconds, beating De Lage Landen's time by just under 20 minutes, securing them a vital additional point.

Welcome to Yorkshire currently remains in third place, while Geraldton Western Australia played its 24 hour Stealth Mode card at midnight, in a final tactical battle, hiding from its competitors until midnight tonight.

The rest of the fleet is expected in Derry-Londonderry over the weekend with the final yacht arrival expected Monday afternoon.

After securing a fourth place win during the most challenging leg so far as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, local bursary representative Matthew Plummer is preparing to join up with members of the Derry~Londonderry yacht this week and represent his city in the seventh leg of the challenge.

The fully qualified Goalkeeping coach and UEFA "B" License holder is one of five successful Derry City Council sponsored bursary representatives to take part in the Race through the KICKSTART to Work programme. Matt is busy getting his bags packed this weekend to fly to San Francisco to meet up with his team mates before departing early next week on his journey through the Panama Canal to New York for an estimated 48 days non-stop race sailing.

It's a challenge that Matt is very much looking forward to. "The last leg across the Pacific Ocean was a very challenging one and the team did fantastic to secure a fourth place win in such challenging and difficult conditions. It was an amazing achievement for everyone on board the Derry yacht and I am really looking forward to catching up with them at the weekend and finding out all about it. "

Matt has been busy preparing for his challenge over the past number of months, keeping in regular contact with the crew through the sailing blog and checking their progress regularly. He has been keeping fit and getting himself motivated and prepared for spending time at sea.

"It is quite a daunting thought being on board a small yacht for such a long time but I have building myself up to it for so long and now the time has come! I just can't believe I'm going. I am really looking forward to it, it's going to be an amazing once in a lifetime experience and I feel privileged to be representing my city in such a positive way."

One aspect of the challenge that Matt is not looking forward to is the watch rota system on board the vessel. "The watch rota is going to be a bit of a challenge for me I think but I will get used to it and I know each watch will be very intense but by working together as a team we will be able to overcome any challenges that we meet. I am hoping that we get a podium position in this leg, it would be a fantastic achievement to come into New York to a hero's welcome." he said.

Matt, who lived in Orlando for a two year period and worked as a soccer coach during his time there, believes the Americans will be fully behind the Derry~Londonderry team. "According to the team we have been really well received in America, they are very supportive of us and are willing us to do well in the race. It's a great opportunity for us to promote the city and encourage Americans with connections in Derry and Northern Ireland to see how we are progressing and preparing to host the UK City of Culture 2013 here in Derry."

In preparation for the challenge, Matt has undertaken a range of extensive training programmes as part of the Bursary support programme. "The training provided has been really useful in giving me a real insight into all aspects of sailing from navigating the vessel, to health and safety and sailing techniques. The training also provided us with a good opportunity to get to know the other bursary people as well as the other team members on board the Derry boat."

Matt is confident that with the support from his wife, son, all his family and friends at home and in the US the team can secure a podium place when it arrives in New York at the end of May/beginning of June. Matt is also looking forward to meeting up with his daughter in New York in June, she is currently studying at college in Arkansas and promises to be there to welcome him into New York when he completes Leg 7.

"The team are doing well out there, they are really getting stuck into the race. It would be great to get a podium position in New York, no doubt about that but at the moment I will be focusing on working hard with the team to ensure we do well in the race."

At the end of June and early July, Derry~Londonderry will host the race as a destination port when it welcomes all 10 of the participating yachts into the city. This is something Matt is looking forward to and anticipates will be a huge occasion and cause for celebration across the city and region.

Matt will be providing regular updates from the vessel via the Clipper's Facebook page Derry Londonderry Clipper 11-12 and on Twitter – DerryClipper where you can follow the team and their progress in the race.

After a gruelling 6,000 miles at sea crossing the world's largest ocean, Derry-Londonderry has crossed the finish line under the Golden Gate Bridge having conquered the toughest leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Only two hours separated them from another podium place.

Despite heavy storms and waves the sizes of buildings incurred over the past 28 days crossing the mighty Pacific Ocean, Derry-Londonderry were in the top three in the majority of the race – losing out on a podium place by only two hours, as the New York entry beat them with a last minute tactical change.

However spirits were high, as the fog lifted and the sunshine appeared, as the Northern Irish entry was fourth to cross the finish line, the Golden Gate Bridge, at 2329UTC, yesterday (March 31). Skipper, Mark Light, said, "What an amazing feeling to be able to say that you've crossed the world's largest ocean. We had a great race, of which we were in the top three for the most part – and fourth place is a great result after racing the way we have done.

"We have all sorts of conditions, with strong winds about 90 per cent of the race, without any respite and the crew have had to work hard for 28 days solid. This race is long, and it's all about effort and motivation. At times you almost want to give up, but none of the crew on Derry-Londonderry did, we worked very hard and I'm very proud of all of them and myself."

Arriving into Jack London Square, Oakland after sailing through San Francisco Bay in California the crew were welcomed by friends, family and locals. They were ushered straight over to a local restaurant, who kindly hosted a long-awaited American food feast of pizza and beers – a welcomed sight after nearly a month at sea.

Round the world crew member Michelle McCann from Greencastle, Co. Donegal, said, "At the moment I've got an unbelievable sense of achievement. I'm very proud of myself and I know I did my very best – as did all of the rest of the crew.

"We've had a very hard race and it really was difficult with storms almost all the way that just kept coming. One of the main emotions that I've felt this trip is fear. I was afraid, as there were some very frightening experiences, including when the steering gear broke, as I was on the helm of the boat.

"I'm just delighted to be here and coming fourth after having crossed 6,000 miles across the Pacific is brilliant."

During the stopover in Oakland, San Francisco Bay a diverse programme awaits the crew and skippers of the ten-strong fleet, including being part of the Strictly Sail Pacific boat show hosted in Jack London Square. Sponsors will also be using the Clipper Race as a platform to do business and build relationships with California organisations.

Gold Coast Australia took first place in Race 9, Singapore second and New York third. The rest of the fleet are expected to arrive in Oakland over the next few days.

The race started in Southampton, UK on 31 July 2011 and will end there on 22 July 2012 after taking 51 weeks to travel over 40,000 miles visiting 15 ports of call on six continents.

#CLIPPER – The extreme wind speeds, which were predicted to return and once again test the skills and endurance of the crew taking part in Clipper 11-12 Race, made a grand entrance yesterday with a variety of welcomes.

"I don't think any of the fleet will come through racing in the North Pacific Ocean in March without any damage and we are no exception!" laments Mark Light, skipper of Derry-Londonderry.

"Last night we had a near disaster and plenty of drama... We were charging along downwind with superb conditions, running before 25 knots of westerly wind with full main and Yankee 2 headsail driving us forward at about 11 knots. At about 0130 local time (these things always happen at night) we were hit by a 35 knot gust, there was a loud crack and the boat spun out of control," explains Mark.

"We instantly knew that the steering cable had parted and the boat had rounded up into wind flogging the mainsail and headsail wildly. The boom was thrashing about madly, both preventer lines, were trailing and the boat was heeled over at such an angle that the boom itself was banging into the water as we travelled forwards out of control with pace.

"Very quick action was required - importantly a drill we practice many times in our rigorous pre-race training program (nevertheless, when it happens for real the adrenaline starts pumping through your veins and the seriousness of the situation hits home)."

Mark and his crew sprang into action and began to set up the emergency tiller while another team hauled down their Yankee 2 from the foredeck. After securing the tiller which brought the boat under semi control, Mark and crew member, Tom Way, squeezed into the tiny space above the steering quadrant and set about replacing the steering cable.

"After an hour involving hydraulic bolt croppers, hacksaw and plenty of elbow grease we had successfully changed the cable, no mean feat when being constantly thrown around in the conditions like a rag doll!

"We managed to regain full control of the boat, returned to our former heading and hoisted our Yankee again. The whole episode took about two hours in which we lost an estimated 16 miles.

"Once again, no injuries, no lasting damage and we are back racing again. My crew handled the situation impeccably and we did a sterling job. Now in true Derry-Londonderry style we will push on, fully determined to make up the lost ground and get ourselves back up into those precious podium positions," signs off Mark, with his team currently occupying fourth position in the Race 9 standings.

The fleet is expected to arrive in Oakland, California between 1-7 April, where it will be hosted by the 2012 Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show in Jack London Square. Oakland is located on the east side of San Francisco Bay.

#CLIPPER – The crew of the Irish yacht Derry-Londonderry are in Qingdao China and they are pictured above ahead of the Clipper round the World race start leg 9 start to Oakland, San Francisco Bay.

Following an unforgettable stopover in Qingdao, Derry-Londonderry has begun their 6,000-mile race across the Pacific Ocean to California, USA, today.

In the longest stage of the 40,000-mile circumnavigation the team will join the handful of people on Earth who have raced across the entire expanse of the largest ocean on the planet as they compete in the world's longest yacht race.

The race start, scheduled for yesterday, was postponed by the Clipper Race Committee as visibility on the water deteriorated to less than half a mile. After waiting overnight for the weather to improve, nominated lead skipper Ben Bowley on Singapore set a 'Le Mans' start and the race got underway at 0235 UTC (1035 local time) this morning.

With all of the 68-foot yachts lined up, their mainsails hoisted and headsails hanked on and ready to be raised, all the crews waited behind their coffee grinder until the signal, at which they raced forward to hoist the headsails as quickly as possible to steal a march on their competitors.

With a matched fleet and competition fierce the start was incredibly close, but Geraldton Western Australia's crew trimmed quickly to earn themselves a slight advantage.

Ahead lies a gruelling race with very tough conditions, which is expected to take approximately 30 to 35 days to complete.

Speaking before the race start, skipper of Derry-Londonderry, Mark Light, said, "This is a very long race. It's very intense living in close quarters for that long in the rough weather expected, but we are going to keep everyone on the ball, especially during the middle part of the race where crew can get a bit complacent and tired.

"The North Pacific is a beast of an ocean and I think if it wants to turn you up and throw you around a little bit it will do it, so we are as prepared as we can be."

The spectacular welcome ceremonies the individual teams received upon their arrival in Qingdao were exceeded yesterday by an even more lavish departure ceremony shown live on Chinese television. Draped in their yellow silk ceremonial cloaks and white hats, each skipper was presented with a colourful combat flag displaying the name of their team. They left the Olympic Sailing Centre to the sound of drums and thousands of cheering locals, as well as the sights of dragon dancers and fireworks.

Crew on board Derry-Londonderry felt ready ahead of starting this marathon race, among them round the world crew member and Derry-Londonderry resident, John Harkin. He said, "I feel more capable of conquering this leg than I ever have done before. We've learnt a lot at sea so far and we've got a good team on board.

"They have all been talking about the mighty Pacific, but to me the last leg was the biggest worry, so now that's over, I'm feeling ready for this next ride. To then finish the race under the Golden Gate Bridge will be brilliant, hopefully crossing as one of the first."

Amongst the Chinese dignitaries attending the ceremony was Madam Zang, Honorary Chairman of Qingdao Yachting Association, who wished the teams good luck on the forthcoming race. She said, "The arrival of the fleet adds to the dynamism of Qingdao, the Sailing Capital of China, and offered an opportunity to citizens to experience the charm and excitement of this top global sailing event. I wish you a safe and fast voyage across the Pacific Ocean."

The yachts are expected to arrive in Oakland, California between 1 and 7 April and will be hosted by the 2012 Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show in Jack London Square. The Race 9 winning team will be presented with the Strictly Sail Pacific Clipper Cup on the opening day of the show, 12 April.

The race started in Southampton, UK, on 31 July 2011 and will end there on 22 July 2012 after taking 51 weeks to travel more than 40,000 miles visiting 15 ports of call on six continents.