AUGUST 2010

"Clipper" race stop-over a boost for Inishowen

The news that Derry is to get a stopover of the greatest ocean race for 2012 is another huge boost to all of the North West and one that the entire region especially Inishowen can capitalise on according to Senator Cecilia Keaveney.

It's been confirmed that Derry is to one of the venues for The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race in two years time. In July 2010 the area will welcome the fleet at the end of the final transatlantic stage of the 40,000 mile race en route to the race finish. The city will also have it's own yacht in the race with sponsorship from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Senator Keaveney said the event would put the North West and Inishowen on the international stage. She said: "Everything that gives us a platform to showcase the area puts us on an international stage that Inishowen, Donegal, Derry and beyond can gain from." She added: "The fact that this is the first time for a stopover here means that it is a new potential. We all watched the focus that Galway got for the Volvo race. There is no doubt that the economic spin off has continued beyond the immediate time of the race in the West".

Senator Keaveney, Council of Europe president of the Youth and Sports committee, said she was looking forward to the excitement the event had to offer. She concluded: "I wish all those charged with the planning and delivery of it every encouragement."

*Article and Quotes taken from Inish Times Newspaper - 24/08/2010

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