Irish emigrants, trolls, giant seagulls and one-eyed pirates were just a few of the colorful creatures pulling in the crowds (and terrorizing them) at Derry’s Queen’s Quay last Sunday.

The finale weekend to the Celtic European Festival of the Sea went down a storm on 2 to 4 June, with music, theatre, tall ships, seafood cookery displays and a town carnival held in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Yachts arrived at the town pontoon from harbours all over the Antrim Coast in order to take part in the race from Derry to Moville. All fourteen yachts finished despite the fickle winds, and enjoyed a belated barbecue on the shore. In first place was one-design Quarter-Tonner Streaker, followed by Ruffian 8.5, Firecracker, and X42 Faustina, in third place.

Find out more about cruising in Northern Ireland in August and September’s Practical Boat Owner.