The Derry “LondonDerry” Doire remains in fifth place of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as the fleet picks up speed as it heads to the finish of Race 2.
With under 2,000 miles of the 5,000 miles Atlantic Ocean crossing from Brest in France to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Derry Clipper is battling to hold on to its current position with sixth-played Henri Lloydwith only a mile behind.
Meanwhile, the fleet has been celebrating in the presence of a “royal” visitor over the last two days as they have been crossing the Equator.
Skipper Sean McCarter described the special day on board the Derry “LondonDerry” Doire.
He revealed: “Shortly after lunch, the 18 pollywogs dutifully, if a little nervously, lined up along the rail for their audience with King Neptune and his faithful servant, Davy Jones. Davy introduced the great King Neptune who came aboard from the depths with a trident (boat-hook) and flowing silver (spectra) beard.
“Neptune was angered that the pollywogs had crossed into his realm without invitation and demanded a sacrifice to amend things before the initiation could begin. Out came the hair clippers and every pollywog parted with a small lock of hair.”
