The Derry entry in this year’s gruelling round the world yacht race is currenly battling it out for the lead.
Eighteen hours in the world’s longest yacht race, the “Derry-Londonderry” is in fourth place, within touching distance of the leading boat “Old Pal Tessy.”
However, skipper Sean McCarter and his crew will need to pick up speed if they intend to keep in touch with the frontrunners as the leading boat is travelling at a speed of eight knots, two knots faster than the Derry boat.
Also vying for the lead is the “GREATBritain” which is in second place, sailing at a speed of six knots, while third placed “Henri Loydd” is travelling at seven knots.
The yachts are currently on a “short sprint” to Brest, France, before sailing onto 2016 Olympic host city Rio in Brazil to complete leg one.
Before setting sale, the Derry joined the fleet as it fleet took part in a spectacular parade on the River Thames with Tower Bridge lifting to salute the crews with large crowds waving farewell on the river banks.
The fleet will not be returning until July next year after a total crew of 670 40,000 miles and visit 16 ports on six continents.
They are due to visit Derry next June two years after they first called docked in the River Foyle. Once again, thousands are expected to greet and five a “great Derry send off” to all the competing yachts.
Derry Daily will have daily reports of the race.
