Following a spectacular send-off from Derry-Londonderry by the Red Arrows and big crowds, the penultimate race of the series, the OneDLL Cup to Den Helder in the Netherlands, is underway.

Clipper race crews - Foyle

Clipper race crews prior to departure from Foyle for the OneDLL Cup race, the penultimate leg of the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World race.



The near 800-mile race is a tactical challenge with the teams needing to choose early on where to position the yacht to take best advantage of the strong tides that flow round the British Isles.

The yachts are currently in light winds with conditions expected to lighten further over the next 24 hours before the incoming low moves the decaying weak ridge over the mainland.

Old Pulteney has pulled a few miles ahead according to the most recent data, followed closely by Switzerland and then Henri Lloyd. Overall, Henri Lloyd leads the fleet with the final leg from Holland to London due to start on 10 July.

 

Clipper Race Thames parade of sail


The grand finale is scheduled for 12 July with a formal fleet procession that will take place between 10am to 3pm. The twelve 70-foot state-of-the-art racing yachts will parade up the Thames to Tower Bridge while dockside supporters enjoy live music, drummers, dancers and international cuisine in the St Katharine Docks Race Village.

Celebrations will then reach a peak at the official Prize Giving Ceremony from 2:00pm - 3:00pm.

For those wanting to secure their front seat to all the action, the official spectator boats will provide the best viewpoint of the Clipper Race yachts as they parade down the Thames.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for children with boarding beginning at 09:15 on the day.

The spectator boats will meet the Clipper Race fleet on the Thames before following its victorious parade all the way up to Tower Bridge before entering St Katharine Docks. Tickets will available www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Further details of the fleet's Thames Parade of Sail on the day are as follows:

RACE VILLAGE SCHEDULE

Saturday 12 July

10.00 - Parade of Sail
10.19 - QE2 Bridge at Dartford
11.48 - Thames Barrier
12.01 - Dome
12.12 - Greenwich
12.30 - Canary Wharf Pier
12.45 - St Katharine Docks
14.00-15.00 - Final prizegiving ceremony at St Katharine Docks.

This edition of the Clipper Race has had its moments of high drama: Ocean Racing Video: Rogue Wave Smothers Clipper Yacht and Clipper Race MOB rescue.