Yacht racing around the world

Held at the City Hotel, the recruitment presentations will be hosted by members of the Clipper team, who will show you some awesome video footage, tell you more about life on board and highlight the incredible sense of achievement that yacht racing around the planet, can bring.

The recruitment process comes just weeks after the announcement that the city is to become part of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race when it will be an official host port, welcoming the ten strong fleet in July 2012. The city will also have an official destination yacht in the race and will host a showcase maritime festival to welcome the Clipper fleet at the end their homecoming transatlantic leg ahead of the finish line in August 2012.

People interested in taking part in the race are being encouraged from across Northern Ireland to come to the recruitment session to find out more about the race and how they can get involved.

Crew Recruitment Manager, David Cusworth, explained that participation in the Clipper Race is a once and a lifetime experience. He said to date more than 200 people have expressed an interest in taking part in the race to date.

“The Clipper Race is the only place you’ll find stockbrokers and housewives racing against taxi drivers, engineers, farmers, students and chief executives. And if you have never sailed before, don’t worry. Before the start of the last Clipper Race, 40% of the crew were complete novices and a comprehensive training programme is mandatory for all those who participate.”

He said he was hoping to see people from all walks of life across Northern Ireland coming to the recruitment sessions at the City Hotel. “It’s the best way of finding out about the race and how you can get involved. We will have experts available to answer any questions on the night. It’s a great opportunity to see the world and to represent Northern Ireland and the city of Derry~Londonderry, in an expedition that will have a lasting impact on your life,” he added.

The Mayor, Colum Eastwood is encouraging people to join up with the Clipper team said it was a unique opportunity for people across Northern Ireland to get involved: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a chance for anyone to get involved and be part of a global racing team.”.

Further information on the Clipper Experience is available by visiting www.cityofculture2013.com/clipper