The Clipper race is coming swiftly to a close, as racers approach the host port of Derry at the end of its eighth leg – the Atlantic Homecoming Leg.
This is the penultimate race of its circuit, dubbed The LegenDerry Finale, and the stopover in Derry is famous among the Clipper Race crew for the LegenDerry welcome that follows the arduous journey from New York.
The 40,000 nautical mile race has become a favourite event in the city's calendar, with the Foyle Maritime Festival providing a packed programme of water activities, boat tours, food stalls, and music and theatre performances, with the event culminating in a breathtaking showcase event on the River Foyle.
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The Clipper crews have made incredible and swift progress in their journey to the Foyle Port, and are even due to arrive earlier than initially expected.
Teams were expected to arrive in the port from July 14 onwards. However, swift progress in the Atlantic Homecoming Leg means that the clipper race is expected to pull into Foyle Port from tomorrow, July 13.
Weather and tidal conditions may cause times to change. These are the latest times predicted for the teams arrivals into Foyle Marina.
The first two teams are anticipated to arrive between 10:00AM and 11.00AM tomorrow. The next two teams are due in between 11:00AM and midday.
Another team will follow between midday and 3:00PM and four more teams are expected between 3:00PM and 6:00PM.
The penultimate team is due to arrive between 7.00AM and 10.00AM on Thursday July 14 and the final team are expected between midday and 3:00PM on Thursday July 14.
The people of Derry will line the Foyle marina to welcome the crews into the city, just in time for the Legenderry Food Festival and the Foyle Maritime Festival.
People will be especially keen to welcome Derry man Gerard Doherty home, who has undertaken the massive journey on board the Ha Long Bay clipper boat.
Mr Doherty said: "Derry is such a good stopover because each time, the people of Derry reach out and welcome the Clipper Race with an open heart, making everyone in the race feel welcome in the city. I will be immensely proud to sail up the Foyle, it will be an outstanding day for me."
His two daughters and his wife are expected to be among those out to welcome him home when the crew arrive in the city.
Looking ahead to the first arrivals on Wednesday, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: "There's a real sense of anticipation building ahead of the Clipper Race arrivals which have now been confirmed for Wednesday morning and throughout the day.
"The first sign of the yachts as they make their way up the Foyle generates a huge buzz and the crew can expect a tremendous reception when they step on to the Quayside.
"The fact that so many of the fleet are arriving in such a short space of time will really add to the excitement and I know we're all looking forward in particular to welcoming our own crew member Gerard Doherty home after his epic adventure. I hope to see lots of people turning out to give Gerard and all the Clipper crew a very warm Derry welcome."
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