UPDATE 7.39am: The Derry “LondonDerry” Doire is in joint third place and is now almost two miles behind new leader, the Henri Lloyd, in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. 
Skipper Sean McCarter will now have to use his skill and knowledge to bring the local entry back into contention for the lead as the 1.8 mile deficit is the biggest gap between the frontrunner and his crew since the race began over two days ago.
The Henri Lloyd is now travelling at four knots, the same speed as the Derry “LondonDerry” Doire. Second-placed Invest Africa is a mile behind the leader, also moving at a speed of two knots while third-plased, Mission Performance, is the fastest of the top four, at five knots.
The Clipper race is the only sailing event in the world in which the organisers supply the fleet of 12 identical, 70-foot, stripped down racing yachts – each sponsored by a city, a region or a country – and each manned with fully-qualified skipper, employed to lead the crews safely around the globe.
It’s where taxi drivers rub shoulders with chief executives, vicars mix with housewives, students work alongside bankers, nurses work with vets and doctors team with rugby players.
It’s an experience that will change people’s lives. Yet while the crews may be amateur, no one has told the ocean that.
The sea does not distinguish between Olympians or novices and if the Southern Ocean, the Pacific or the South Atlantic decides to throw down the gauntlet, the Clipper Race crews need to be ready to face exactly the same challenges as those experienced by the professional racer.
And, when they return from the biggest challenge they have ever faced, the crews bring home countless lessons with them. The importance of teamwork and the importance of respect. Of giving more than you take. Of learning what your body is capable of. An appreciation of cultures, religions, lifestyles and attitudes that connect with communities right around the globe.
Because of its amateur status and varied crew profile, don’t for a moment consider this to be some sort of easy option. The crews have to work hard to become winners and it’s not unusual that boats might finish within minutes of each other after three weeks and 3,000 miles of ocean racing.
Continue to check in with Derry Daily as we bring you regular daily updates and reports from skipper Sean McCarter on a daily basis throughout the 11-month challenge.
