Local heroes given chance to win place on Clipper Race yacht
by Claire Glancy 26 May 2015 15:02 BST
26 May 2015
Cllr Elisha McCallion and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on Derry~Londonderry~Doire © Clipper Ventures
Organisers of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have gifted Derry City and Strabane District Council with a unique opportunity for two community workers or volunteers to win a place on board the Derry~Londonderry~Doire yacht for the 2015-16 race.
Entitled 'Voice of the Community', the bursary invites organisations across the city and district to nominate someone they believe has made a notable contribution to the life of their community, with the ultimate prize of sailing a leg of the famous Clipper 2015-16 Race.
Explaining his reasons for awarding the bursary to Derry City and Strabane District Council, Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "The Voice of the Community bursary allows us to give something back to the people of Derry-Londonderry and Strabane as means of saying thank you for the incredible hospitality and support the community has given to us over the last five years.
"This bursary is designed to reward those who spend their time trying to better the lives of others. Selflessness and commitment are important qualities we encourage among all of our Clipper Race crew."
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion, is urging community groups to put forward their nominations. She added: "We are hugely thankful to Sir Robin and the Clipper Race for gifting us this unique Voice of the Community bursary.
"Our community is full of people who dedicate their time and effort to making our city the successful, thriving place we are all so proud to be part of. The Clipper Race is hugely popular here so this is a great opportunity for our local community heroes to represent the city around the world whilst having a truly memorable life experience on board our Derry~Londonderry~Doire yacht."
The Clipper Race is the longest ocean race in the world. Divided into eight individual legs which cross six different continents, it is an extraordinary adventure. Over 650 crew experience the power and beauty of the world's oceans when they race in teams to exciting destinations on this epic journey of a lifetime.
Established by Sir Robin to give everyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to experience the exhilaration of ocean racing, 40 per cent of Clipper Race crew have never sailed before they sign up. Full race training is provided.
Community groups are invited to nominate someone they believe has made a real difference to their local area by filling out a nomination form. All nominees must live within Derry City and Strabane District Council. They must also be over 18 years old, have a great sense of adventure and be committed to sharing their knowledge and skills with others as a 'Voice of a Community' ambassador on the Clipper 2015-16 Race. Winners must also be available to complete four weeks of training ahead of joining the race.
The deadline for nominations is Monday 8 June at 12 noon. Submissions will be shortlisted for public voting on Wednesday 10 June with the successful candidates decided by the highest combined scores achieved through public vote and leadership assessment training.
This is the third consecutive race to feature a Derry~Londonderry~Doire entry and the city will once again welcome the race fleet with its award winning Foyle Maritime Festival next summer.
Community groups interested in finding out more about applying or the process involved should contact Derry City and Strabane District Council via email or download an application form directly at www.derrycityandstrabanedistrict.com/clipperrace