Derry Clipper holds narrow lead as race from New York approaches finish line

With less than 175 nautical miles and under 24 hours remaining in the LegenDerry Finale from New York to Derry, Derry~Londonderry~Doire is leading the race to its home port once again.

But with only 7.5 nautical miles between the front three teams as they head for the final waypoint round Rathlin Island, a nailbitingly close finish looks guaranteed with everything still to play for in this thrilling final stage.

The leaders all rounded Rockall together, within metres of each other, a remarkable feat after more than 3,200 nautical miles of racing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Clippertelemed+ is in second place with overall race leader, LMAX Exchange, in third.

Derry skipper Daniel Smith said: “Rockall was impressive and a much bigger rock than I imagined. We skirted the side of the exclusion zone before hoisting our spinnaker and setting off downwind towards Rathlin Island. We hope that the wind holds.

“Currently we are just in first and with a bit of a blow we'll be able to open up the gap and have enough power to negotiate the Traffic Separation Scheme and strong tides at Rathlin Island.”