The Derry “LondonDerry” Doire has set off on the seventh race of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Racing hoping for back-to-back wins.
Following their stunning victory in Race 6 in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the crew of the Derry clipper were in buoyant mood as they left Hobart at 6.00am this morning (5.00pm local time) at the start of the 1,200 to Brisbane where the first yachts are expected to arrive between 9 and 10 January.
The start of the race was delayed by 24 hours due to the rudder bearing issue that caused Henri Lloyd to retire from Race 6.
The problem was also discovered on PSP Logistics but to a lesser degree than Henri Lloyd.
Both yachts had their rudders removed and newly-manufactured rudder bearings fitted.
Before the start, the crew of the Derry Clipper were presented with their race winners pennant by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
The crew received their pennant at a special prizegiving hosted by the commodore of race organisers, the CYCA’s Howard Piggott, as well as Richard Batt, commodore of the Royal Tasmanian Yacht Club.
Sean McCarter, skipper of the Derry entry, was full of praise for his crew in security the Race 6 victory.
He said: “There were some very difficult moments, but we stayed focused and it really paid off this time after a few close races where we missed out.
“My crew are brilliant and we are also really grateful for all the messages of support back home which has meant so much to us all.”
The crew have been congratulated by Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly who wished them “well” for the remainder of the race.
Mayor Reilly said: “I would like to congratulate the crew on this victory, which is both a fitting end to a phenomenal year for the city, and also a fantastic start to what we hope will ultimately be the first of many achievements for the Clipper crew.
“We know the challenge that has been undertaken by the crew is certainly formidable by any standards, so this early victory is a great boost to team morale.
“I would like to wish them well on the next stage of their race and to say that the entire city is following and supporting their fantastic journey.
“We can’t wait to welcome them back to Derry in June 2014 for a spectacular homecoming event during the Foyle International Maritime Festival.”
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