Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Qingdao have completed the pre-race commissioning process and been
launched back into the water ahead of Race Start on Sunday 30 August.
Meanwhile the
final two Clipper 70s have begun the eight-week maintenance schedule. Once complete,
it will see the conclusion of a nine-month programme of work to prepare the 12-strong
fleet for the next edition of the race.
During the
process new parts have been fitted in various places around the yachts and
slight reorganisations made in order to make life easier for the crew and for
maintenance purposes.
“The refit is
hugely important to ensure the fleet is ready for the up-coming race,” reveals
Simon Johnston, Head of Maintenance at Race HQ.
“We have 24
people working on the yachts at present. The refit process is very intensive
and we are fortunate in that we have a great team who are committed to doing a
top-class job.
“As each yacht sailed in excess of 40,000 miles during the last edition of the
race, all of the equipment is now checked and serviced, items are renewed where
necessary and repainting is carried out internally,” continues Simon.
“Externally, all of the standing rigging wire and fittings are renewed, the
below the waterline areas antifouled, the propellers serviced and the anodes
replaced. Shortly before Race Start, all of the yachts will be issued with new
running rigging and race sails to conclude the renewal program.
“With the Clipper 70 fleet now having covered a cumulative total of half a
million nautical miles, we are also taking the opportunity of using the
feedback provided and experience gained over those miles to make modifications
and improvements where there is scope to do so.
“The yachts proved themselves well during their first circumnavigation in the
last race and it’s really satisfying to see them shaping up so strongly, ready
to take on their second lap of the world.”
The re-commissioning process will be concluded by the end of May ensuring the
fleet will be ready for the Level 4 training courses.
Derry~Londonderry~Doire was also
re-branded while out of the water. You can watch the video here.