Derry-Londonderry has been chosen to host a Clipper Race stopover in July 2012 and will enter a yacht in the race.

The yacht will be one of ten identical 68-foot ocean racing yachts, each of which is sponsored by a city, region or country to carry their name around the world.

Derry-Londonderry (Legally, the city and county are called Londonderry, while the district council is called Derry City Council) is also the UK’s City of Culture for 2013.

Mayor Councillor Colum Eastwood, pictured alongside Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the race founder said, “We’ve partnered with Clipper as we believe it provides a world class opportunity to showcase the city internationally ahead of the UK City of Culture 2013. It’s an important building block in developing the city’s reputation as a location for international event.’

The ten-strong fleet will sail into the port in July 2012 with a showcase festival at the end of the final transatlantic stage of the 40,000-mile race en route to the race finish.