‘Amazing’ reception for Derry

The Derry clipper team received an “amazing” reception when they were welcomed to Singapore at the weekend.

A light beacon rising up from the ground, dancers, pyrotechnics and senior dignitaries, including Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, were at Keppel Bay on Saturday morning.

Seasoned yachtsman, Derry business John Harkin, “was amazed at the welcome” as the Derry~Londonderry crew arrived to claim their first podium place - a convincing second - in the competition.

“This has been one of the most formal and biggest receptions that we’ve had. It was very exciting to sail into Keppel Bay, especially knowing it will be our first podium place, which we’ve been waiting for a long time,” he said.

He added: “It was a great honour to be on stage with all those dignitaries - a very special feeling. I am really looking forward to be taking in the atmosphere over the next few days, before we set off on Saturday for the next part of the race.”

The ten-strong fleet taking part in the world’s longest ocean race made their entrance to the exclusive marina following Race 7 of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, ignited the ‘Torch of Passion’, setting in motion the welcome celebrations for the fleet, and guest of honour, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, presented the Singapore Cup to the winning crew from Gold Coast Australia and made a presentation to the Derry team.

This is the fourth visit of the fleet to Keppel Bay, whose skyline is now dominated by the curving towers of the stunning new Reflections at Keppel Bay development, designed by master architect Daniel Libeskind, who is also the master planner for the World Trade Center site in New York City. Residents, who have this month begun moving in to the new buildings, also took part in the celebrations, cheering as the yachts sailed past into the marina, while others on boats sounded horns.

The Clipper Race Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “This is the fourth time that there has been a Singapore entry in the Clipper Race and over the eight years we have witnessed the Caribbean and Reflections at Keppel Bay developments around the marina rise from the ground. But it’s not only the growth of Keppel’s premium developments that impresses, every race we return to see their award-winning marina fill and grow. Of course, with the race we visit a huge number of impressive marinas around the world, but it is rare to find a marina which manages to combine efficiency and style whilst caring for its environment. The overall standings after Race 7: Gold Coast Australia - 73 points; Visit Finland - 53 points; De Lage Landen - 46 points; New York - 40 points; Singapore - 38 points; Welcome to Yorkshire - 37 points; Derry-Londonderry - 35 points; Qingdao - 34 points; Geraldton Western Australia - 31 points; Edinburgh Inspiring Capital - 14 points.