Scottish Skipper to lead Derry~Londonderry~Doire team in Clipper Race
by Julia Wall-Clarke 1 May 2015 16:03 BST
1 May 2015
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Elisha McCallion and Clipper Race skipper Daniel Smith © Clipper Ventures
Scottish sailor Daniel Smith has been revealed as the skipper of the Derry~Londonderry~Doire entry in the world famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, at the official naming ceremony today in Portsmouth.
Speaking about his appointment, which was revealed by Clipper Race Chairman and legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Daniel from West Kilbride, North Ayrshire said: "I'm really excited to be named the Derry~Londonderry~Doire skipper. There are strong sailing links between Scotland and Northern Ireland and that is a relationship we hope to share with our international crew as we sail around the world.
"I know there is always an incredible welcome waiting in Derry-Londonderry for the Clipper Race fleet so I'm already looking forward to sailing up the River Foyle in front of the home crowd."
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the longest ocean race on the planet, uniquely for amateur sailors. Starting in London on 30 August 2015, the race is 40,000 nautical miles long and will take almost a year to complete.
More than 650 crew members will take part in the Clipper 2015-16 Race. Representing more than 40 different nationalities, they compete on a matched fleet of twelve Clipper 70 racing yachts. The only professional on board each team is the skipper.
Daniel is taking a career break from his role as Senior Yachting and Watersports Instructor for SportScotland's National Centre at Cumbrae to compete in the race. He will be joined on board by crew members from Canada, Singapore, Ireland and all across the UK, including two from Aberdeen and one from Troon.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Elisha McCallion also attended the ceremony and commented: "We are very pleased to have skipper Daniel Smith on our team. The city and district is hugely excited to be participating in the Clipper 2015-16 Race and to welcoming the race back to the city next summer."
The Clipper 2015-16 Race marks the tenth edition of the world famous event. The Clipper Race fleet will visit Derry-Londonderry next summer after its final Atlantic Ocean crossing, marking the city's third team entry and hosting of the international sporting competition.
www.clipperroundtheworld.com