#CLIPPER – Derry-Londonderry, the Northern Irish entry in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, has arrived in Qingdao, China, today to a hero's welcome completing one of the toughest legs of the world's longest ocean race.
The multi-coloured yacht livery made a big impact in the bright early morning sunshine and a freezing wind. The arrival reflected the Northern Irish team's 'LegenDerry' nickname as they were greeted at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre with a specular ceremony including fireworks, drums and, not least, dozens of Chinese and international media who all fought to get pictures and interviews with the heroic crew.
As the team, representing the UK City of Culture 2013, stepped on to the pontoon in Qingdao after 19 days at sea in this challenging stage from Singapore, Derry-Londonderry's skipper, Mark Light, said, "That was the first red carpet I've ever walked on. We knew it was going to be a good welcome here in Qingdao, but how fantastic. So much colour everywhere and they were so pleased to see us."
The crew secured their first podium in Singapore three weeks ago, but with the tough conditions at sea, Mark is positive about their sixth place gained on this part of the race.
"I was really happy with the way we sailed. I'm very proud of my team, as this is probably the best that we've worked together to date. It's good to have a decent result after a good result reaching the podium in Singapore. We did have some tough conditions, which were very bouncy and a few scared people, but we handled it really well," he said.
The team was surrounded by dragon dancers whose performance demonstrated the respect the people of Qingdao have for the crews. Gifts of flowers, hats and scarves were given to the crew and the skipper was draped in a yellow cape, which symbolises nobleness and in ancient China it was only worn when emperors and generals set out on battle fields and returned victorious.
The Derry-Londonderry crew was visibly overwhelmed by the spectacular welcome, including round the world crew member Michelle McCann. The 58-year-old a teacher from Greencastle, Co Donegal, said, "What an amazing arrival into Qingdao. I feel like such a super star and have never had so many photographs taken of my in my life. It was so bitterly cold out on the sea and then to arrive into the sunshine and experience such a beautiful welcome was so fantastic."
The crew were formally welcomed to the city by Wang Xiulin, Vice Mayor of Qingdao. He said, "Battling treacherous waves and ferocious winds in this grim winter, you have successfully finished this harsh leg with your strong will, outstanding courage and professional sailing prowess. This remarkable feat allows the Qingdao citizens to once again experience the splendid world-class sailing event."
Yesterday the first four teams of the Clipper Round the World Yacht fleet arrived in Qingdao. De Lage Landen won for the first time, despite crossing the finish line 23 minutes after Geraldton Western Australia, the Dutch boat clinched victory because the Race Committee granted a request for seven hours redress after the yacht left the race to support Gold Coast Australia during a medical emergency. Despite the emergency the Australian entry secured third place, while Singapore arrived in fourth place.
During the stopover in Qingdao a diverse programme of cultural activities awaits the crew and skippers of the ten-strong fleet, including meeting local families and ceremonial activities, as well as sponsors using the Clipper Race as a platform to do business and build relationships with Chinese organisations.
The rest of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race fleet are expected to arrive in Qingdao over the next few days.
This is the fourth time the city has sponsored an entry and hosted the Clipper Race fleet. Qingdao recently signed a contract to sponsor two more races until 2016 to build on its legacy as the sailing venue of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and to continue to strengthen its brand as China's sailing city.
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.
