Round the World Yacht Race: Derry Clipper on course for third successive leg win

The “Derry-Londonderry-Doire” is on course for a third successive leg win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Following back-to-back leg wins, the Derry entry leads the fleet on day 16 of leg 10 from Qingdao in China to Bell Harbour in Seattle, USA.

Late this afternoon, the local boat was 80 nautical miles ahead of second-placed Clippertelemed with UNICEF a further three nautical miles behind in third spot.

The lead boats are expected to arrive in Seattle on Friday week, 15 April.

A third successive win will take the Derry boat to the top of the overall leaderboard with only five legs remaining.

Meanwhile, Ian Smith, skipper of the Derry yacht has paid tribute to Sarah Young, the crew member from Ichorcoal who drowned after being washed overboard at the weekend.

Extending “heartfelt condolences” to h family, friends and crewmates of the 40-year-old, Ian described the news as “truly truly shocking as well as tragic.”

He added: “On occasions such as these, there is considerable soul searching all round with reflection and introspection upon what we value and care for most.

"We pursue our passion in a sport which carries undoubted risks - we do this knowingly and it does not deter us.

“Rather, it is part of the attraction of the sport overall and which appeals to the adventurous amongst us. No words can capture the sadness we all feel at the loss of a fellow 'Clipperati' - a true adventurer by all accounts. May Sarah rest in peace."