Derry-Londonderry celebrates the official opening of The Foyle Marina

The Foyle Marina which was made famous this summer  when it hosted the arrival of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race has been officially opened by Brian McGrath, Chief Executive of Foyle Port.

The marina, which was purpose built to host the world's longest ocean race, provided the perfect platform for the ten strong fleet of matched racing yachts competing in the Clipper 11-12 Race. 

Jonathan Levy, Director of Business Development at Clipper Ventures said, "The Marine Event Platform was one of the best facilities that we visited during the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and its availability was a key factor in bringing the Clipper Race to Derry-Londonderry.

“We are proud to have been able to help showcase the Foyle Marina and play a part in building a strong sailing legacy for the people of the city and surrounding areas.“

The Derry-Londonderry entry sponsored by Derry City Council, and crewed by several locals from the city, attracted thousands people from across Northern Ireland as they lined the quayside to welcome home their heroes. 

As part of the evolving legacy left by the Clipper Race, a series of sailing schemes run by Derry City Council have been organised in partnership with Clipper Ventures. Forty-eight successful candidates were selected to take part in the four scheduled training sessions which will take place over the next two weeks. 

The Mayor of Derry-Londonderry, Councillor Kevin Campbell said the return of the Clipper Race yacht and the provision of the training was part of the legacy of the hugely successful Clipper Homecoming Festival held in the city earlier this year, “The Clipper Race had a huge impact on the city and the feedback from the public was phenomenal. I am delighted that the general public are being afforded the unique opportunity to sail in a Clipper Race vessel and get a taste of the challenges at sea as well at look at the potential of the Foyle and how we can best utilize the River Foyle for tourism and business opportunities.”