Tallships Join Clipper Race Yachts for Open Tours at Legenderry Maritime Festival

26th June 2014

#LegenderryTallShips – The Legenderry Maritime Festival held in the north-west city is where Lough Foyle has welcomed the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2014 but also some visiting tall-ships which too are open to the public.

So why not come along and board the tallships, Earl of Pembroke and Phoenix which together have appeared in many films and TV drama's and are berthed alongside McFarland Quay. From that quayside you can embark on board these wonderful sailing vessels which are open only today, (Thursday up to 6pm). For more details of festival programme visit here.

Since the festival began on mid-summers day and concludes on Sunday 29 June, the city and along Foyle Quay has been host for the homecoming festival in welcoming the 12 strong fleet of Clipper 70 yachts. Notably as previously reported, the Derry-Londonderry-Doire skippered by the city's hero, Sean McCarter following victory in race 14 from New York to the yacht's homeport as part of the world's longest ocean race.

There will also opportunities to visit these impressive racing boats as according to the festival organiser website click HERE, Clipper Ventures are making available two of the race yachts for tours today between (2-7pm), tomorrow Friday, June 27 (2-7pm) and also on Saturday, June 28 (9am-1pm).

Forming the focalpoint of the festival is at Foyle Quay where the summer promenade, complete with race village, marine marquees, award winning continental markets and a host of sea faring activities on and off shore will be held for all to enjoy.

So to soak up the action be it learning to canoe or sail a dingy or if you're happy to just go with the flow of the festival there's something to suit everyone. Come on, dive in and blow your inhibitions out of the water!

Last but not least will be the festival's farewell send-off in bidding bon voyage to the Clipper yachts as the Parade of Sail departs on Sunday (12 noon) from MacFarland Quay for the race start at Greencastle in Co Donegal.

The Red Arrows will perform their trademark formations with close-passes and dynamic loops and rolls at the mouth of the River Foyle between Greencastle in Co. Donegal and Magilligan/Binevenagh in Co. Derry.

For more information on the full programme of events or details on how to get involved, visit www.legenderrymaritimefestival.com

Published in Tall Ships

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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