Derry-Londonderry documentary premieres this week

The three-part television series, which followed the progress of the Derry-Londonderry ambassadors during their participation in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race will premiere this week on BBC One Northern Ireland.

On board the Northern Ireland entry were Niall Boyle, Shauna O’Neill and Pod McConway, three unemployed young people from the city, who were given the chance of a lifetime when Derry City Council hosted their participation in the race through a Bursary scheme.

“I am in awe of what all the crew and especially the young people achieved in the race,” reveals Margo Harkin, producer and director of the series.

“Our cameras saw the hard slog and endurance required day in day out to achieve their goals - often in very dangerous conditions. Niall, Shauna and Pod are truly inspirational and I think their story will be a real eye opener for people.”

Episode one joins 23-year-old Niall Boyle as he joins a team of 17 total strangers in sweaty, cramped living conditions to complete Leg 1 of the race from Southampton to Madeira to Rio de Janeiro. They will cross the Equator and enter the perils of the Doldrums as they battle it out with nine other boats in the race to the finish.

The first episode will be aired on Monday (17 June) at 22:45 BST.

For more info, click here.