Clipper could return to city - Council
�/Lorcan Doherty Photography - July 8th 2012. NO FEE FOR REPRODUCTION The Port tub boat 'Culmore' leads the flotilla behind the Derry-Londonderry as she leaves home on Sunday on the next leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Photo Credit Lorcan Doherty Photography
Derry City Council have not ruled out the Clipper Festival - and other international quality maritime events - being hosted on the Foyle in future years.
Earlier this month the week long Clipper festivities were hailed a massive success, bringing thousands into the city and onto the quays.
The biannual Clipper round the world race chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has since hailed Derry as the “most memorable port stopover” of the whole race.
He also gave rise to hopes that the clipper may return to Derry in future races.
“We appreciate that this is a significant time for the whole community as the city and the region move forward together to create a brighter future for everyone,” he said as the crews left the city.
“The legacy we leave behind, together with the magnificent new pontoon, is to have demonstrated that Derry-Londonderry can hold major marine events with style.
“We are confident, from what we have seen, that this will be the first of many.”
The Journal’s online readership have been calling for the city to become a feature of all Clipper races.
In an online poll at derryjournal.com a massive 95% of respondents said the city should be a regular stopover for the Clipper crews.
And now Derry City Council says it is open to exploring that option - and to bringing more maritime events to the city.
“One of the legacies from clipper 11-12 was its ability its ability to raise awareness of the city as a location for international and regional maritime events,” a Derry City Council spokeswoman told the ‘Journal’ yesterday.
“The response from the public was fantastic and as part of the city’s festival strategy, opportunities for further maritime events will be explored.
“Derry City Council continues to have a strong working partnership with Clipper Ventures as the race continues to Den Helder finishing in Southampton on July 22.”
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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