Northern Ireland ready for Clipper arrival


A ten day-long festival begins tomorrow as the Clipper Round-The-World fleet returns to Britain for the first time since the race began last July in Southampton (pictured).

The Clipper Homecoming Festival takes place on the banks of the River Foyle in Londonderry/Derry, as the 10 yachts finish their transatlantic sail from Halifax, Canada.

In the last week they have been battling ex-tropical storm Chris, but leg leader Gold Coast Australia is expected to arrive in the Northern Irish city at 8am tomorrow with the other nine to arrive over the weekend and on Monday.

Visitors to the festival will be able to meet the crews and look over the yachts, but there is also a wide-ranging activity programme that includes sailing taster sessions, the Flavours of the Foyle seafood festival, live music, fireworks and much more until July 8.

Clipper Race to finish in Southampton.

Clipper gets underway in Southampton.

Clipper comes home to Hull.