Derry~Londonderry ~Doire takes centre stage at Prize Giving

It was the moment the crew of Derry~Londonderry~ Doire had been waiting for – the chance to stand on the stage as winners of Race 14, from New York to Derry-Londonderry in front of a home crowd.

Friends and family packed the Guildhall in Derry-Londonderry to see skipper, Sean McCarter take to the stage with his team to accept their first place pennant.

“We’ve won a yellow pennant before, but nothing means more to us than this one. I think I can safely say this race was always going to be ours.  

“The pressure has been on from the moment I was announced as skipper of Derry~Londonderry~Doire. All I can say is this is a very proud moment , and I’m so glad so many people are here to share it with us.” Added the proud skipper.

Team Garmin received second place after achieving their highest podium position so far in the Clipper 2013-14 Race. Skipper Jan Ridd, was quick to heap praise on his team:

“I have seen a huge change in confidence this race within the team. They now know that they are good enough to challenge for first place. With just two races left in the Clipper Race, we will be sure to show everyone exactly what we are capable of achieving.”

Old Pulteney  took third place. At one point in the race the team fell to the back of the fleet, before making a triumphant recovery to collect two points in the Ocean Sprint. Skipper, Patrick van der Zijden spoke after the presentation:

“I couldn’t be any prouder of this team. They have all worked so hard - winning the Ocean Sprint just goes to show that we are a threat. We’re currently just two points behind Qingdao on the overall leaderboard who are in sixth place. We’ll be looking to place ourselves in the top half of the leaderboard as we make out way to London and Race Finish.”