Niall’s on a crest of a wave on Derry Clipper vessel

23-year- old Niall Boyle never thought he would be sailing on a yacht from Southampton to Brazil, however thanks to a Derry City Council funded bursary he is one of five local people selected to represent the city on board the Derry~Londonderry yacht that is participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race2011-12.

Hailing from Altnagelvin, Niall availed of the once in a lifetime opportunity to sail the world’s seas when he was approached to apply for the bursary through the Kickstart to Work programme. Having been unemployed for a period since qualifying in mechanics and bodywork painting, Niall was eagerly seeking work and new opportunities and was delighted to be considered for the Clipper bursary programme.

“It was a fantastic opportunity and one which I couldn’t miss out on. I applied and if I’m completely honest I thought that would be the last I would hear about it, so I was genuinely surprised when I was one of 10 chosen to go through the initial selection process and eventually picked to be one of the lucky five to represent the city on the yacht at each stage of the race,” he commented.

Niall will be taking part in the first leg of the journey which departs from Southampton this Sunday. During his challenging journey he will participate in two races, the first one is a 14-day trip to Madeira followed by a 28-day marathon sail to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

“It will definitely be a challenge. While I have received intensive training and loads of advice, I am expecting it to be a challenging task in very hot temperatures with few clean clothes and limited washing facilities etc. But it’s a challenge I am really looking forward to. It’s going to be a life-changing experience for me and something that will give me a new outlook in life and afford me new opportunities,” he said.

His family and friends back home in Derry have been very supportive. “My Mum is a bit of a worrier and is obviously concerned about me taking part from a safety point of view while my Dad just thinks I’m mad. My granny has been particularly supportive, and very keen for me to do this. She enjoys seeing her grandchildren avail of any opportunities they get to travel the world and experience new things. My brother John has been a great support too. Generally everyone thinks it’s great and are behind me all the way,” he added.

Niall says the Council’s bursary scheme is a great way of making the race accessible to a wider genre of people. “Normally people associate boating and sailing with the wealthy and elite and this bursary has made it possible for the likes of me to take part and experience something I would never been able to. I have no experience what so ever in sailing and have hardly been on a boat but it hasn’t stopped me from being successful in getting through the various training and selection processes.

“In general to participate in this race it is very expensive, there is no doubt about that and there are people here who have taken a year out of their careers and spent a lot of money to be part of it. The bursary covers all of my training, my travel costs, clothing allowance and a small living allowance and hopefully that my participation in this event will not only help me in relation to career development and getting good qualifications, but it will open up new opportunities for me. Already I have met the most diverse selection of people ever – we have everyone from pilots to chief executives, to taxi drivers and oil brokers. It’s unbelievable and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Niall believes the Clipper Round the World Race presents the city with a unique opportunity to showcase its talents and assets when it hosts the race as a destination port next July.

“Already people are talking about coming to Derry when the race stops there for a few days , they have been asking us about the city and where we should visit etc. which is great. It’s going to be a huge event for the city, all the teams and their crews will be in the city for a number of days and it will be a great opportunity for us to show the city off and to prepare for the 2013 celebrations the following year for City of Culture.

“It’s a positive time for Derry and I think the Clipper race is going to have a real impact on the city. I am really proud of where I come from and to be representing my city in this Race is a huge achievement. I just hope I can live up to it and do my city and family proud. It’s a major challenge but one I am going to grasp with both hands and do my very best.”
The public can follow Niall and his crew mates as they take to the seas from Southampton this weekend. The public can follow their progress on the Clipper website and regular blogs and updates. For further information about the Clipper race visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter at Derry-Londonderry Clipper 11-12.

Derry~Londonderry is the official sponsor and host port of the Clipper 11-12 yacht race and is supported by Derry City Council, Londonderry Port, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Ilex URC and MalinWaters part financed by the European Union's INTERREG IVA Programme.

Ends

Further press information can be obtained by contacting Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel. 028 7137 6504.